MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The 341st Security Forces Group hosted several events in honor of National Police Week.
National Police Week is an annual remembrance for law enforcement members who have lost their lives in the line of duty, protecting the safety of others.
“Malmstrom has a huge number of security forces personnel stationed here,” said 2nd Lt. Daniel Cook, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight commander. “I feel that National Police Week gives us the chance to showcase who we are as the 341st SFG to the community and remember legacies of the fallen.
The activities included a 5K memorial road march, the Battle of the Badges competition and a security forces demonstration day.
The goal of the events was to celebrate National Police Week and showcase the capabilities of the 341st SFG.
“It gives us a chance to remember all of our fallen defenders and understand where we came from as a law enforcement and security forces entity,” said Capt. Ricardo Gonzalez, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron assistant operations director. “There are many men and women across civilian, federal and military agencies who have given the ultimate price so that I can wear this uniform and badge.”
The Battle of the Badges competition involved four person teams performing a 50 meter fireman carry, 20 burpees, 20 flutter-kicks and 20 pushups. Following the physical challenge, each team participated in an M-4 carbine rifle marksmanship challenge. The overall score was based on the time and overall accuracy of each team.
“Most of the time we are posted out to the field or training, it is very hard to get all five squadrons together,” said Gonzalez. “The Battle of the Badges challenge provided friendly competition, but at the end of the day we are one team, one fight.”
The 341st SFG also hosted a 5K memorial road march in memory of fallen defenders.
First Lt. Joseph D. Helton Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice in 2009 when his vehicle was attacked by a roadside bomb near Baghdad. The Lt. Helton Jr. Award is given to one individual who displays outstanding leadership at the Security Forces Basic Officers training course.
Second Lt. Daniel Cook recently earned the prestigious award.
“I was very touched to be nominated for the award,” said Cook. “There were so many qualified, deserving officers who could have been selected and to know that I am the individual that received the award makes me want to continue striving to do what is right and what is hard.”
“We can learn so much form remembering him and his legacy, as well as all other fallen defenders,” said Cook.