Leading by example: Year of exceptional accomplishments culminates with AF-level award
By Valerie Mullett, 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
/ Published April 16, 2007
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Capt. Johnathan Bennett, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron operations officer, has been serving in the Air Force as a security forces member for more than 16 years; 10 of them as an enlisted member. This is his third tour at Malmstrom. He first arrived straight out of basic training and came back again as a senior airman. This time, he's been here for more than four years, earning his current rank in January 2005. He served a year in Iraq, August 2005 to August 2006, where he made substantial contributions to the Global War on Terror's causes and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his efforts there. Most recently, he was named the Air Force's Company Grade Security Police Officer of the Year.
"John is a proven leader who is proven in combat. He epitomizes the security forces operator who has distinguished himself in a wide variety of challenging environments," said Maj. Raymond Tembreull, 741st MSFS commander.
The majority of the award year, Captain Bennett was deployed and during that time, his list of accomplishments piled high. This is just a sampling.
- Trained more than 250 Iraqi soldiers which eventually led to the transition of base defense to the Iraqi Army
- Conducted 20 night patrols during Ramadan increasing the security posture of his location and mitigating all threats
- His exceptional command and control during 15 insurgent-coordinated attacks earned him the Joint Service Achievement Medal
- Trained nearly 400 Iraqi police and soldiers on security procedures and convoy operations ensuring combat-readiness.
- Oversaw the design of an armory for more than 600 Iraqi Army weapons
- Designed a $6.5 million dollar force protection upgrade plan that ensured the protection of more than 4,500 Iraqi Army soldiers
- Coordinated security for a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty inspection
- Established an evacuation plan for more than 300 Department of Defense and civilian personnel in the event of an attack
"He is directly responsible for contributing substantially to the Multi-National Security Transition Command with the Iraq mission of developing and sustaining Iraqi security forces," according to the citation to accompany the Bronze Star Medal.
Here at home, the captain and his wife, Kresant, keep busy raising their four children, Shelby, 14; Erin, 12; Kolbie, 4; and Keagan, 18 months.
The graduate of West Oregon University likes to hunt, fish, camp, play softball and enjoys most other sports. His daily tasks as the operations officer for the 741st MSFS keep him on his toes, as well. With a distinguished Air Force career thus far, the psychology major says his goals for the future are simple.
"I just want to keep leading the Airmen. I will keep on doing this until it isn't fun anymore."
"John is the perfect choice to represent our career field at the Air Force level, and indirectly, this award acknowledges all the sacrifices and the tremendous support of his family, making it all the sweeter," Major Tembreull said. "No one is more deserving...John has my utmost respect."
Captain Bennett will receive his award at the Security Forces Awards Banquet the first week of April at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Editor's Note: Since being named the Air Force's Company Grade Security Police Officer of the Year, Captain Bennett has been named the Company Grade Officer of the Year for Air Force Space Command. He will now compete on the Air Force-level for the Air Force Company Grade Officer of the Year, to be awarded later this year.