Minot Security Forces Airmen named best in Command

Published Dec. 8, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Two 5th Security Forces Squadron Airmen here received awards for outstanding performance in their jobs, serving their community and self improvement efforts during the 2010 Air Force Global Strike Command Security Forces Individual Awards.

Capt. Michael L. Gallucci, 5th SFS operations and training officer, received the award for Outstanding Security Forces Company Grade Officer.

Senior Airman Lee R. Kozokas, 5th SFS crime prevention officer, drug abuse resistance education officer and protection level one entry controller, received the award for Outstanding Security Forces Staff Level Airman of the Year.

Both members of Team Minot are not only responsible for many duties, but also take initiative to go above and beyond, which is why they were chosen among thousands who were nominated for these prestigious awards, officials said.

"It is truly humbling to know I was selected over thousands of other exceptional AFGSC security forces Airmen," said Airman Kozokas. "I believe I received this award for being a well-rounded Airman. I consistently strive to ensure not all of my time or effort is placed into one particular activity."

Captain Gallucci leads the security forces operations section and is responsible for providing security and police services for two wings and a population of more than 11,500 people. He also implements strict security standards for the weapons storage area, weapons convoys and aircraft generations.

But he credits the members of his section for the award.

"I won because of all the hard work demonstrated by the men and women of the 5th SFS over the last year," the captain said. "Especially their overall performance and team unity during multiple inspections, all while undergoing a security systems refresher in the weapons storage area."

According to his nomination package, Captain Gallucci was selected number one out of 585 CGOs, was the mastermind behind the unit's nuclear surety inspection preparation and spearheaded a multi-agency "Shop-with-a-Cop" event which raised more than $5,000 and provided 52 underprivileged kids with gifts.

Airman Kozokas trained 12 flight members for response force and close-in sentry, earned the bronze congressional award and also served as lead security coordinator for Tops in Blue.

"Winning this award keeps me motivated to continue to strive for excellence and to continue to set goals for myself," said Airman Kozokas.

"Being nominated, let alone winning such a prestigious award, brings me to the realization that all goals, no matter how unattainable they seem, can be accomplished," he continued. "This award undoubtedly motivates me to make every effort to pass this important message on to my fellow Airmen."

To Captain Gallucci, this award means more to him than just acknowledgment of his own hard work. He believes it takes more than one person to win an award. To him, 5th SFS is a prime example of what real team unity is.

"Winning this award just captures how dedicated to security the men and women of the 5th SFS have been over the last year," he said. "The professionals in my unit have provided unyielding security for the people and resources on base. Winning this award is a testament to all of the long 14 hour shifts they have spent in a watchtower in the WSA or standing on the nose of a B-52 during a generation."