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Vehicle Search Area
Awards
See also: Entry Controller Awards
Vehicle Search Area Leader
Staff Sergeant Big W. Bird distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Vehicle Search Area Leader, 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 332d Expeditionary Mission Support Group, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing. During this period, in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, Sergeant Bird led 28 Defenders across two search areas, inspecting 27,000 vehicles and 91,000 local nationals. His efforts led to the seizure of 75 prohibited items, ultimately reinforcing the protection of 63 combat airframes and enabling 3,200 sorties and 176 bombs on target against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Additionally, while battling the worst global pandemic in over 100 years, he managed the issuing of 1,300 installation access credentials daily, ensuring the safety of 3,000 coalition force personnel. Furthermore, Sergeant Bird expedited base access for a joint-service convoy operation for a United States Army Air Defense Artillery unit and enabled the safe transport of over 100 personnel and 10 million dollars in critical warfighting assets. Finally, Sergeant Bird's leadership solidified his section's selection as the squadron's Team of the Month for January and April and the Wing garnering the Meritorious Unit Award. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Bird reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Military Working Dog Handler
Staff Sergeant Jesus A. Amaya distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Military Working Dog Handler, 86th Security Forces Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. During this time, Sergeant Amaya's actions aided in securing the United States Air Forces in Europe's largest vehicle search complex, clearing 3,900 vehicles and 25,000 pounds of cargo, and advancing one million dollars in Air Wing contracts. Additionally, Sergeant Amaya's expertise was key in executing the Command's first-ever Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear K9 exercise, teaming up with four agencies to demonstrate Military Working Dogs' ability to survive and operate in a contaminated environment. Furthermore, Sergeant Amaya's actions helped strengthen Kaiserlautern Military Commnuty's security, executing 225 Random Antiterrorism Measures across a 300 square mile radius, safeguarding 67,000 Americans abroad. Lastly, Sergeant Amaya's leadership was key in enabling a key summit, liaising with a Personal Security Detail to sweep and clear 40 rooms and 16 vehicles, resulting in being coined by the Chief, National Guard Bureau for his exemplary professionalism. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Amaya reflect great credit upon himself, the 86th Security Forces Squadron and the United States Air Force.
ECP Controller
Staff Sergeant Christian Valdespino distinguished himself by meritorious service as ECP Controller, 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, from 19 April 2024 to 31 October 2024. During this period, Sergeant Valdespino identified three critical deficiencies in the vehicle search pit and assisted in rewriting the Standard Operating Procedure, partnering with two agencies to fix security gaps and ensure the security of 980 sorties against threats from Houthis, Iran, China, and Russia. He directed command and control of 94 personnel for 144 security incidents, responded to 17 drone detections, and coordinated with two entities to bar 13 individuals, directly contributing to the squadron earning Team of the Month. Additionally, Sergeant Valdespino designed a $33,000 spend plan for security operations across 13 entry control points, enhancing quality of life for 225 Defenders with new post equipment and patrol kits. He earned his Community College of the Air Force degree, revamped the training plan for 30 critical tasks, mentored 29 personnel, and reduced timelines for over 9,400 Joint Forces. His leadership and dedication guided two Airmen to achieve Below-the-Zone promotion and the Diamond Sharp Award. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Valdespino reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Military Working Dog Handler
Staff Sergeant Ronald L. Marasco III distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Military Working Dog Handler, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. During this period, in support of Operations ENDURING SENTINEL and SPARTAN SHIELD, Sergeant Marasco swept three HIMARS convoys for improvised explosive devices, resulting in safe travel with zero security incidents. His actions expedited the transition of 500 million dollars in resources to fortify the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Battalion complex, hardening the AOR's air defense capabilities and deterring the AOR number one threat. Furthermore he commanded joint training with Emirate Military Working Dogs, teaching close quarter combat procedures and Military Working Dog capabilities and tactics, which resulted in the development of nine Emirate NCOs and enhanced their techniques. Sergeant Marasco steered explosive detection operations at the vehicle search area by vetting 15,000 vehicles and 50,000 other country nationals, as well as executing over fifty random anti-terrorism measures and 150 hours of security deterrence. His efforts led to the confiscation of forty five prohibited items and denial of insider threats, protecting the Wing's sustainment operations. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Marasco reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Military Working Dog Handler
Staff Sergeant Matthew D. Ellison distinguished himelf by meritorious service while serving as Military Working Dog Handler, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Sergeant Ellison steered explosive detection sweeps at the vehicle search area and vetted 13,000 vehicles and 4,800 other country nationals. He combined 33 Random Anti-Terrorism Measures with 126 hours of security deterrence, leading to 38 items being seized and seven personnel denied entry, enabling the 380th Wing's sustainment of operations in support of a two billion dollar USDA project. In addition, he coordinated with the U.S. Army to conduct explosive detection sweeps on critical Air Defense assets, four U.S. Army forward deployed convoys, and two Patriot Missile sites, eliminating a major anti-terrorism deficiency and securing 250 square kilometers of UAE airspace. Further, Sergeant Ellison collaborated with sister services to enhance readiness by training and providing lifesaving skills to 30 members. He trained healthcare providers on hands-on emergency tactical combat casualty care procedures, bridging the gap of veterinarian absence, and prolonging the lives of four military working dogs. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Ellison reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.