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Top cops in command

  • Published
  • By John Stuart
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The improvised explosive device ripped through the armored military vehicle in the Afghanistan countryside. The blast split the vehicle, rendering it immobile and injuring several inside.

As the dust settled, Master Sgt. James Mogren quickly went to work. In the minutes after the blast, Sergeant Mogren -- who sustained minor injuries in the blast -- administered emergency first aid to wounded team members and called in close air support for medical evacuation.

Through his valor that day in 2009, part of his 277-day Afghanistan deployment, and as evidenced through other distinguished acts, Sergeant Mogren, of the 72nd Security Forces Squadron, earned the 2009 Colonel Billy Jack Carter Award.

And while Sergeant Mogren's actions in Afghanistan stand out as extraordinary, they were indicative of what the 72nd Security Forces strives for every day.

"I always say when the situation is hot we're running toward it and not away from it," said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy O'Linn, security forces manager of the 72nd Security Forces Squadron. "Our guys are the ones out there trying to make it safe and secure. Not many people will do that and that's not something you teach, that's something they have in them already."

For the 72nd Security Forces, it's that pursuit of excellence that earned the 500-person unit accolades as the top large security forces unit in the Air Force Materiel Command for 2009.

Security forces units were evaluated on a number of criteria, including personal and unit accomplishments as well as community stewardship.

"I love helping people out. Our situations aren't always great, but what we do with the kids and the younger adults is rewarding. It is an everyday job, with new challenges," said Sergeant Mogren.

With about 35 percent of the unit deployed in various capacities throughout last year, the squadron was in action at home and overseas.

The presence of Lt. Col. Troy Roberts, who took command of the 72nd Security Forces Squadron in July 2009, was a major boon for the unit, Sergeant O'Linn said.

"Our commander infused a new attitude in us," Sergeant O'Linn said. "He coined the phrase 'Be the Best Defend the Rest.' That was his motto. He truly believes that we are the best out here. Not in an arrogant way, but just saying 'hey we know that, now we have to prove it.'"

Senior Airman Caleena Campbell, a security forces investigations and confinement NCO, also earned individual honors at the AFMC level. She earned the Outstanding Security Forces Support Staff Airman of 2009 for her outstanding efforts. Among her many achievements, Airman Campbell solved 21 theft cases and 11 drug enforcement cases in 2009 and has a case solve rate of 94 percent.

"Ever since I joined the Air Force I wanted to be in investigations. I feel like I am impacting Air Force productivity and mission related things. We definitely have an effect," Airman Campbell said. "Last year was outstanding, busy, yet gratifying."

While the squadron distinguished itself in many facets last year, one element is a particular focus: education.

"One thing we're really happy with is our schooling," Sergeant O'Linn said. "Even though we're working our guys, they're getting their education. I don't feel like your education ever depreciates."

And the proof is in the textbooks. Last year security forces personnel earned: 33 associate degrees from CCAF, 10 civilian associates degrees, 12 bachelors degrees, three masters degrees (with 12 doing graduate class work), and have 51 members actively enrolled in higher education.

Last year will go down as a record for the 72nd Security Forces Squadron. And with the command and work ethic that strives to truly "Be the Best," they hope it is something the whole Tinker community can rally around as the 72nd Security Forces Squadron upholds the other part of their motto to "Defend the Rest."

"I like coming in here and seeing these guys every day. There's a sense of pride," Sergeant O'Linn said. "They're out there taking care of business because they want to, not because they have to. They're really good people. They really are."

The 72nd Security Forces Squadron has a history of excellence. The squadron earned top large unit honors at the Air Force level in 1999 and 2005.

"I want to thank the people of the 72nd SFS that have made all these accomplishments possible. Our people make the 72 SFS the best Security Forces unit in the Air Force and our Air Force the best in the world," Colonel Roberts said.