GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Security Forces Squadron held an Excellence in Competition match during Police Week here on May 15.
The competition gave members of Goodfellow a chance to show their talents, raise morale, and earn an EIC award if they placed in the top 10%.
The event was overseen by combat arms instructors. Each participant was given direction on how to use the weapon and then was brought out to the range to test their skill.
Participants were required to shoot varied numbers of rounds in a certain amount of time, shooting both with one hand and with two at 25 yards. The only shots that counted in the competition were those that landed within the seven-point ring on the target and inwards.
“Given this pandemic has forced some temporary changes,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Drouin 17th SFS combat arms instructor, “it’s important we give the same respect and acknowledgment to Police Week as we always have. However, I feel these events can bolster comradery, and that sense of pride everyone knows and loves.”
In light of the pandemic, many of the normal events that would have taken place during Police Week were canceled. However, that did not stop the 17th SFS from celebrating their service. They implemented social distancing and other precautions to keep every participant safe. By using every other lane and sanitizing the weapons when finished after every round they ensured that they were taking every precaution available.
“In keeping with tradition, Police Week allows us to pay tribute to local, state, and federal peace officers, and honor the over 20,000 men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Drouin.
The morale that came along with the event was also much needed. Many events on Goodfellow have been canceled and moved back several times. It’s important to hold events like the EIC match to keep service members ready and healthy.
The 17th SFS also stirred inter-service rivalry with the competition, inviting every branch on base to participate.
“It’s nice to see all sorts of squadrons come out and participate, said Staff Sgt. Aaron Lytham, 17th SFS emergency communications center controller. “I saw some MTLs and instructors and all sorts of different folks. It’s nice to see different people and fire our M9 pistols.”
Out of 53 competitors, the following members were among the top 10%
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Staff Sgt. Nestor Reyes: 17th Security Forces Squadron
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Staff Sgt. Jacob Stricklin: 344th Military Intelligence Battalion
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Tech. Sgt. Cody Simpson: 312th Training Squadron
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Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Bates: Center for Information Warfare Training
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Staff Sgt. Christopher Drouin: 17th Security Forces Squadron
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Tech. Sgt. David Hunt: 312th Training Squadron
Congratulations to the top six participants on Goodfellow.