Defenders named best in Air Force Published March 28, 2011 By 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Defenders did it again. The 17th Security Forces Squadron was named the Air Force's 2010 Outstanding Small Security Forces Unit of the Year, and received the Air Education and Training Command 2010 Verne Orr Award, which now competes at Air Force-level. "The Defenders in security forces here make my life easy," said Maj. James Masoner, 17th SFS Commander. "Their professionalism and 'get it done' attitude brings a smile to my face every day." During 2010, the squadron had numerous triumphs - both as a unit and individual accomplishments. The squadron ensured Goodfellow was the first in command to have 100 percent Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, registration and fulltime use of the system in less than three months. They also helped maintain the wing's deployment battle rhythm and saved $5,700 in temporary duty costs during renovation of the base range by coordinating with local agencies to use their facilities. This allowed more than 800 people to attain weapons qualifications in preparation for deployments and for annual certifications. A team of deployed Defenders were key to capturing more than 40 insurgents, stopping a fuel theft ring worth $17.5 million. Numerous security forces teams were also lauded for life-saving efforts during deployments; some include sustaining a person's life during a motor vehicle accident while medics were en route, treating individuals who were critically injured during a semi crash that occurred in an isolated area, and stopping assault with a deadly weapon. Maj. Masoner said that although the award says "17th Security Forces Squadron," it's truly a 17th Training Wing award. "There are few things that we accomplish that aren't supported in large part by other agencies on base," he said. "Group and Wing leadership have been more supportive of this unit than I've seen in 20 years as a Defender."
