AT manager garners DoD award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Office of the Secretary of Defense recently named Dover Air Force Base's antiterrorism officer the 2007 Department of Defense Best Antiterrorism Program Manager.

Michael Mendoza, 436th Airlift Wing, garnered the DoD-level recognition for surpassing the AT-management capabilities of every other U.S. military installation in the world.

The task of besting all AT-managers from every branch of service was an enormous feat, considering there are more than 100 AT Officers in the Air Force alone, said Mr. Mendoza. Still, with his depth of experience unmatched and a dynamic AT and force protection team, Mr. Mendoza soared to the top.

"This award is just one more outside validation of what we already know to be true," said Col. Steven Harrison, 436th AW commander. "Throughout Dover Air Force Base, Airmen of every rank and specialty are operating on a consistently higher plane. It's all about a passion for excellence and continuous process improvement ... and it is infectious."

Mr. Mendoza was responsible for the procurement of several million dollars worth of undisclosed security and detection systems, hardening measures and planning and conducting full-scale AT exercises at Team Dover.

"Mr. Mendoza's recognition as being the very best - best in Air Mobility Command, best in the Air Force and best in the Department of Defense - is particularly rewarding from my perspective because it shows our entire base's commitment to securing the base, its assets, and its people," said Colonel Harrison. "Lives and mission are at stake. Who doesn't want to be the very best at that?"

In approval and agreement with the colonel, Mr. Mendoza brought Dover AFB straight to the top in AT/FP measures.

"There is no higher calling, than the protection of life," said Mr. Mendoza. "Our nation is engaged in a Global War on Terror and we must continue study terrorists' tactics, refine our security and response plans, and prepared our forces to handle new and emergent threats. The attacks on 9/11 have globalized terrorism and have forced us to take proactive security measure to protect and preserve our way of life."

Though, it was Mr. Mendoza and his associates working relentless hours that secured the base and the award title for him, his experience stems from something grander than he.

"From the Samurai of ancient Japan to the men and women in uniform serving our noble nation today, no cause or experience is greater that that of serving and protecting one's homeland," said the retired chief. "I have a passion for excellence. Its instilled in me from my 24 years of active-duty service."

Now, Mr. Mendoza's been given another opportunity to use his talents to help protect and defend Dover AFB and its assets, and safeguard it's brave men and women and their families.

"I have committed my life to being a security professional and will do so for decades to come," he said.

However, he cannot sustain alone, he said. "Force protection is everyone's responsibility!"