17 SFS defenders take AETC honors Published Feb. 5, 2009 By Senior Airman Stephen Musal 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Three Airmen from the 17th Security Forces Squadron were selected for the 2008 Security Forces Outstanding Individual Awards at the Air Edcution and Training Command level in December. Captain Brian Copper, the 17 SFS operations officer, was selected for the Company Grade Officer category. Tech. Sgt. David Banton, 17 SFS training noncommissioned officer in charge, was selected for the staff NCO category. Finally, Senior Airman Nathan Escobar, a military working dog handler, was chosen to receive the Elizabeth N. Jacobson Award. The Elizabeth Jacobson Award is named for Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Nicole Jacobson, who was the first security forces member and the first Air Force female to be killed in action in Iraq. The award is given to the first-term security forces Airman who best exemplifies the war fighting contributions of Airman Jacobson, who was deployed from the 17 SFS when she was killed in action. Captain Copper had many achievements during 2008, including being recognized as the "go-to man" for the 17 SFS during a joint military-civilian exercise in July, completing his Master's Degree in Human Relations and chairing the 2008 Air Force Ball committee. "Captain Copper is a highly-visible leader in the squadron," said Master Sgt. Russell Howard, 17 SFS first sergeant. "He seems to be everywhere at once, and is always willing to lend a hand in mentoring and training our Airmen." "Technical Sgt. Banton is one of the finest NCOs which I have had the priviledge of working with in my 23 years in the Air Force," Sergeant Howard continued. "He constantly mentors and trains all Airmen and ensures they stay out of trouble, which is always a positive from my first-sergeant perspective." In addition to mentoring 17 SFS Airmen, Tech. Sgt. Banton has been most visible as a part of the Global War on Terrorism Training program, demonstrating the program to AETC commander Gen. Steven Lorenz as well as other high-profile visitors. Additionally, Sergeant Banton coordinates the security forces augmentee program, enabling Airmen from other career fields to assist the 17 SFS in defending Goodfellow Air Force Base. Finally, Senior Airman Escobar deployed on a 180-day joint tasking mission with the Army's 1st Cavalry Division, providing military working dog support and security to the Army mission. His deployed superiors constantly commented on his outstanding attitude and motivation, an opinion shared by his squadron leadership at Goodfellow. "Senior Airman Escobar always maintains an upbeat and positive outlook on a sometimes draining job," Sergeant Howard said. "He loves his work and he is constantly involved." (An article from Air Education and Training Command contributed to this story)
