KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 403rd Security Forces Squadron here received the Outstanding Security Forces Unit Air Reserve Component Award for their accomplishments in 2015.
This annual award recognizes the outstanding work done amongst the security forces units in the Air Force Reserve Command, said Maj. Charles Mottram, 403rd SFS commander.
Out of more than 45 units in AFRC, the 403rd SFS was recognized as the top tenant unit, based on their performance during 2015.
Mottram said the majority of the achievements they were recognized for was during their 2015 deployment and volunteer work within the community.
The majority of the 403rd SFS was mobilized for more than 180 days during the deployment to the Middle East. They completed more than 900 hours of foot patrols, securing 586 buildings and recovering over $1.4 billion in U.S. Air Force assets.
State-side, in their off-duty time, members of the unit volunteered with the Biloxi fire department, served meals to over 450 families in need, and collected new clothing for a women’s and children’s shelter that impacted more than 200 people.
“AFRC recognized the work we did was extraordinary and selected us as the top unit out of all the tenant units in command,” said Mottram. “That makes me proud.”
Master Sgt. Wendy Corbett, 403rd SFS first sergeant, said this award was a great chance for SFS Citizen Airmen to be recognized and show how valuable they are to the Air Force.
Reservist are underestimated sometimes, said Corbett. The opportunity to deploy allows them to showcase their skills. This means more to them than a plaque on the wall.
“To me, it means a lot because it shows that just because we’re reservist, we still know how to do our job,” said Senior Airman Marvin Bell, SFS fire team member.