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Top security forces officer visits his Malmstrom troops

By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office / Published January 22, 2010

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Brig. Gen. Jimmy McMillian, Headquarters Director of Security Forces, visited Malmstrom Air Force Base Jan. 13 to 15. General McMillian toured the bulk of the Security Forces Squadron facilities. He also briefed on developments, and his future goals and aspirations for Security Forces.

One of the new objectives the general intends to emphasize in the future is to strongly implement the "Airmen first" concept.

"It's essential that we are taking care of our Airmen," said General McMillian. "We have to make sure we're looking out for each other, and are properly mentoring and supporting Airmen and their families."

Other objectives include providing clear policy and guidance to Security Forces, modernizing the aging Air and Space inventories, and reinvigorating the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise.

"It's important for me to actually come interact with our Airmen," General McMillian said. "You can't learn anything sitting behind a desk, or reading e-mail. I like to be able to see, hear and touch what they're doing."

While touring Malmstrom, the general was able to see and intermingle with Airmen from the missile alert facilities, and combat arms training and maintenance facilities which he called "the best CATM range he'd ever seen."

"We are very proud of the job our Airmen are doing here at Malmstrom," General McMillian said." I was really impressed by how motivated they are, and my hope is that they continue to do everything to that degree of excellence. What they do in today's Air Force is priceless. If we paid our Airmen what they are worth, we couldn't afford them. They do their jobs because of their patriotism and to ensure the safety of our nation."

During the general's visit, he also presented five Airmen with awards to include the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal and an Outstanding Security Forces Support Staff Airman Award.

Staff Sgt. Brian Griffitts, , received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his outstanding service as non-commissioned officer in charge of installation security at 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 407th Air Expeditionary Group, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing, Ali Base, Iraq.

During his deployment, Sergeant Griifitts provided security oversight to support the completion of a crucial Project Liberty communications tower. Through his assistance, the $1M construction project was completed three weeks ahead of schedule, which accomplished one of the Secretary of Defense's in theater priorities.

He also formulated a comprehensive security plan supporting the expansion of a Combat Aviation Brigade site. He ensured appropriate physical measures were met by crafting an operational tactical automated sensor field, a barrier plan, and the establishment of 360 degree security. He guided the completion of more than 900 security measures, managed a $120,000 entry control point barrier project, and led 28 Security Forces members providing protection for Department of Defense resources valued in excess of $1B dollars, according to his award citation.

Capt. Richard Zeigler, 1st Lt. Cory Knop, and Master Sgt. Nelson Messimer were presented with the Air Force Achievement Medal.

MAFB conducted a one-time reentry vehicle on-site inspection demonstration, and they planned and presented to the Joint Staff and the Air Staff security procedures to assist in the resolution of an inspection presentation issue.

Their exceptional convoy security allowed for the unimpeded return of the priority one resource. Their efforts were observed by members of the Secretary of State, Department of Defense, the Joint Staff, and Air Staff, and their contribution in procedures will directly impact the future arms control policy.

Senior Airman Logan FitzGerald, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron computer security non-commissioned officer, received the Outstanding Security Forces Support Staff Airman Award. Airman FitzGerald's leadership accomplishments in his career field, self-improvement efforts, and participation in military and civilian activities merit his achievement. Among other accomplishments, he provided 417 personnel with cryptographic training as a certified administrator, and developed and distributed educational material on launch facility entry and exit procedures, all the while continuing to complete his Community College of the Air Force degree in Criminal Justice.

"Promotions aren't really for, or about, the Airmen who receive them," General McMillian said. "They're for the people who got them there. They're for the families who sacrificed their time so that our Airmen could get the extra study and training in. For our families who, because of our call to duty, get dragged all over the country and world to support us. Our successes are for them."

The visit ended in the Security Forces Group auditorium, where the general conducted an all-call before departing.

"Our best days are ahead of us," the general said. "Be committed to making a difference."
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