Patrolman Citations
Staff Sergeant Christopher K. Harbeson distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned as an Installation Patrolman, 20th Security Forces Squadron, 20th Mission Support Group, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. During this period, Sergeant Harbeson deployed to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and VIGILANT RESOLVE. While deployed, he showcased sound leadership skills when he choreographed the security of over 10,000 Iraqi voting ballots in the historic first-ever Iraqi government elections. Additionally, Sergeant Harbeson's ability to make and apply swift decisions was paramount as first responder to an attempted suicide in base housing. Upon finding the victim, he immediately administered first aid, sustaining the victim's life until emergency medical service personnel arrived on scene. Furthermore, Sergeant Harbeson's superior performance and meticulous attention to detail directly contributed to the 20th Security Forces Squadron winning the 2008 Air Combat Command's Best Medium Size Active Duty Unit Award. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Harbeson reflect credit upon himself, the 20th Security Forces Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Nickolas Swainston distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Fire Team Leader, 710th Security Forces Squadron, 310th Mission Support Group, 310th Space Wing, Schreiver Air Force Base, Colorado. During this period, the professional skill, dedication, and significant accomplishments of Sergeant Swainston proved invaluable to the development and operational readiness of the newly formed squadron as it prepared to fulfill its force protection and air base defense missions. He conducted squad-based training on rifle fighting tactics which equipped Security Forces Airmen with a less-lethal force option. Additionally, Sergeant Swainston volunteered to provide critical support to the 21st Security Forces Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, serving as both a Military Customs Inspector and Patrolman. He responded to an incident involving a distraught man armed with a knife, safely disarmed the individual and neutralized the situation, resulting in zero injuries. Further, while patroling, he detected a fire in an apartment complex laundry room, quickly sounded the alarm, and extinguished the fire, preventing damage to 12 units and possible loss of life. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Swainston reflect credit upon himself, the 710th Security Forces Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Edward B. McGovern distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Security Forces Patrolman, 106th Security Forces Squadron, 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Grabreski Airport, New York. During this period, Sergeant McGovern was selected to perform duties as Security Forces Patrolman responsible for the safety and security of Francis S. Grabreski Air National Guard Base. He responded to over 20 alarm activations, providing security for valuable Air Force resources and sustaining the mission of the entire Wing. Sergeant McGovern's vigilance and attention to detail led to the discovery of 17 unsecured doors, preventing loss or theft of Government property. Additionally, Sergeant McGovern was the Area Supervisor for two security incidents involving Protection Level one resources. His efficient command and control ensured the timely removal of the offenders and ensured protection of critical resources. Further, Sergeant McGovern was selected to perform additional duties as a Flight Armorer, responsible for the issue and strict accountability of over one hundred thousand dollars worth of weapons and ammunition. Finally, his self-development efforts resulted in him obtaining his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, greatly expanding his technical knowledge. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant McGovern reflect great credit upon himself, the 106th Security Forces Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Airman First Class Travis F. Barrett distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Base Defense Operation Center (BDOC) Controller, 65th Security Forces Squadron, 65th Mission Support Group, 65th Air Base Wing, Lajes Field Air Base, Portugal. During this period, Airman Barrett coordinated joint responses to medical, in-flight, and fire emergencies across the installation. He dispatched appropriate agencies and ensured they had available knowledge of the incident, facilitating safe and effective responses and securing over 1,200 base personnel and 895 facilities. Additionally, while posted as Patrolman, he responded to 133 building alarms, established command and control, secured the scenes, and investigated the alarms, protecting 1.7 billion dollars in Air Force Assets. Finally, as a close boundary sentry, Airman Barrett was recognized by the United States Secret Service for professionalism while providing a last line of defense during the Secretary of State's visit to Lajes Field and the President of the United States refueling mission. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Barrett reflect credit upon himself, the 65th Security Forces Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Eric M Betts distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Flight Patrolman, 49th Security Forces Squadron, 49th Mission Support Group, 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. During this period, Airman Betts secured Wing Protection Level Three assets valued at more than seven billion dollars and protected 17,000 personnel working on a 59,000 acre installation. He responded to over 250 security incidents and alarms, preventing security breaches to secured areas and preserving readiness. In addition, Airman Betts maintained certifications in Combat Life Saver, MRAP Rollover H2O Egress, Combat Evidence Collection, and Monadnock Baton while consistently performing at a high level. Further, he helped stand up the 49th Security Forces Squadron's Defenders Against Drunk Driving program, potentially saving hundreds of lives. Finally, Airman Betts volunteered to support six charity organizations in his spare time, enhancing the Air Force image throughout the local community. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Betts while serving his country reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.