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Tinker's OSI one of best in Air Force

  • Published
  • By Danielle Gregory
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Not only does Tinker Air Force Base perform to the best of its ability by accepting nothing, but excellence in all they do, but the programs that support Tinker hold true to that motto as well.
   Tinker's Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 114 recently received recognition as the top AFOSI detachment supporting Air Force Materiel Command and second in line for the entire Air Force.
   "This unit is one of the world's busiest," said Special Agent in Charge Jack Angelo. "It's a constant challenge for this unit to meet the demands of the caseload we deal with on a weekly basis."
   Special Agent Angelo said in addition to handling the Air Force's biggest caseload, it's a challenge to deal with people deploying and making permanent changes of station. But, he said it "makes for a very interesting and exciting job to be a part of."
   In 2007, AFOSI generated more than 180 investigative products, making this the most effective unit in AFMC and in the entire Air Force.
   "For the last five years Tinker OSI has led the entire Air Force in productivity when it comes to counter intelligence, counter terrorism work, criminal investigations and crime investigations," said Mr. Angelo.
   In March, the organization received a rating of "Excellent" on their Unit Compliance Inspection, an honor earned by less than 15 percent of the approximate 200 OSI units throughout the Air Force that are inspected. This award was given as a reflection of the detachment's superior team performance and dedication to making Tinker AFB one of the best instillations in the USAF.
   According to Special Agent Angelo, the main reason for the unit's success is due to each member's sense of responsibility to the mission.
   "The past year our unit has handled some very complex and troublesome investigations, but in each matter I am proud to say the men and women of OSI refused to quit in their efforts to resolve the matter they were investigating," he said. "Having that mindset and determination shows in each of our cases."
   Last year, the OSI Detachment 114 investigated 44 narcotics cases and 15 sexual assault cases. Their fraud investigations led to the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars and had a direct impact on contracts valued at more than $500 million.
   In an effort to reduce threats and protect personnel assigned to Tinker, OSI works hand-in-hand with local, state and federal counterparts. The Tinker OSI took part in several joint operations with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration Customs and Enforcement, Department of Commerce and the Western District of Oklahoma's United States Attorney's office, which focused on protection of Air Force technology and sensitive activities of base employees.
   OSI personnel also did their part to support Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom with 25 percent of the unit deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Unit personnel racked up more than 110 combat operational missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, which resulted in numerous terrorists being apprehended and brought to trial. Members also seized improvised explosive devices and weapons caches and neutralized enemy forces in two theaters.
   Stateside the team supported their unit members that were deployed by raising $550 to provide care packages for deployed members. The unit also raised $1,100 during its annual Federal Law Enforcement Pistol donations to support the National Law Enforcement Office Memorial fund, which helps the families of fallen law enforcement officers. Since the beginning of OIF and OEF, seven AFOSI agents have been killed in action and many have been injured.
   "The commands motto is mission first people always; the OSI Detachment 114 team really practices that. We care about the mission but we also care about our people. We are members of the Air Force and we care about members of this community," said Mr. Angelo.