436th SFS wins AMC Outstanding Security Forces Unit award

  • Published
  • By A1C William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The year 2013 was one to remember for the 436th Security Forces Squadron as they took home the 2013 Air Mobility Command Outstanding Large Security Forces Unit award.

The 436th SFS beat out 14 other AMC bases in the large unit category and will move forward to compete at the Air Force Level.

Lt. Col. Joel Briske, 436th SFS commander, said he was proud of Dover's defenders and everyone in his unit did their part to win the award.

"I was extremely happy to see the squadron members recognized for their tremendous efforts," said Briske. "This last year they definitely earned their badge every day."

In 2013, the 436th SFS deployed 27 percent of their squadron and spent a combined-total of 13,500 days in an area of responsibility. One presidential mission alone took the Ravens 10,000 miles across six nations in support of bilateral relations with the United States.

Senior Master Sgt. Russell Michaud, 436th SFS operations and training superintendent, said the award is a great snapshot of the year his squadron had and it reflects upon each and every member within the squadron. Michaud also said he was honored to be part of the organization and it is the best organization he has been in during his 22-year career.

"The members of the 436th SFS are doing outstanding things and the leaders are doing a great job capturing and showcasing our work," said Michaud. "I would like to keep it going and win the award again next year."

The K-9 section contributed to 13 bullets in the awards package. On top of their deployments, the 436th SFS K-9 units were also tasked with secret service missions, security sweeping the commercial vehicle inspection pit and security sweeping the port mortuary affairs. They also trained with the local police department on bomb searching techniques.

Tech. Sgt. Adam Fike, 436th SFS kennel master, said the Dover K-9 unit is one of the busiest units in the Air Force and he was proud that his unit was able to make a contribution to the award.

"We say it's a team award," said Fike. "Every member of our team from their respective sections made this award possible. It's was not only our down range efforts, but our day-to-day work and training that shows what our squadron is capable of accomplishing."

The 436th SFS will compete for the Outstanding Large Unit award at the Air Force level and will learn the results in April.