Security Forces take home three command-wide awards

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Three members of the 482nd Security Forces Squadron had quite a surprise after the Air Force Reserve Command announced the command-wide security forces award winners for 2007.

They weren't surprised their expertise and accomplishments ranked among the best in the Reserve, but two of the three individuals didn't even know they were nominated.

Senior Master Sgt. Wilfredo Vargas won the full-time senior non-commissioned officer category; Mr. Juan Lemus won the full-time civilian category; and Senior Airman Sergio Greco won the Elizabeth Jacobson Award for outstanding war-fighting contributions of first term Airmen.

"They had no idea until I called them," said Sergeant Vargas, the squadron training superintendant who prepared the nomination packages along with 1st Lt. Jose Enriquez, 482nd SFS. "It's better this way because it's a surprise and great for the esprit de corps."

The Homestead defenders are all successful in various areas of the security forces career field.

Airman Greco volunteered for a deployment to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, last year, where he protected the base by patrolling and responding to alarms, acted in response to hostile fire and constantly ensured the safety of the servicemembers assigned to the base.

As a Department of Defense police officer supervisor, Mr. Lemus serves as the pivotal wheel for multiple office administrative duties while continuing with his policing and security responsibilities. The civic-minded officer also works as a substitute teacher in his spare time.

Sergeant Vargas continues to direct the unit's weapons qualification and predeployment training to include the dozens of security forces members gearing up for a deployment to Iraq. The sergeant also constantly ensures the squadron's members are recognized for their efforts and that they have the equipment needed to support the mission.

"We couldn't do it without the other day shift members and office staff who took the time to ensure we get recognized," said Mr. Lemus.

When asked about his next goal after receiving the Elizabeth Jacobson Award, Airman Greco immediately turned his thoughts to the jets that he regularly guards.

"I'd love to go for a ride on an F-16 someday," he said.