Gunfighter Defenders show gallantry downrange, share stories (Part 1 of series)

366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Story by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace

Date: 01.13.2013
Posted: 01.14.2013 12:22
News ID: 100344
Gunfighter Defenders show gallantry downrange, share stories

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – They’re the woman pumping gas at the Shoppette, the man sitting at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Defender in the pristine uniform standing out in the wind and snow, directing traffic through a downed traffic light.

Heroes … authors, poets, politicians, musicians and movie writers have all tried to paint the perfect picture of them throughout the years.

They come in many forms, and all different sexes, races and religions. But if one thing is certain, heroes walk among us every day, and many modestly patrol and defend this very base.

To whom did you hand your I.D. card to as you entered base this morning?

Charges: The 366th Security Forces Squadron has been accused of having valiance and gallantry within its ranks.

Accusations mounting against 366th SFS show that many Defenders in that squadron have performed non-traditional roles in hostile environments.

Verdict: Guilty as charged!

366th SFS Defenders have served as military working dog handlers attached to the Army; fought alongside Iraqi police as part of the police transformation teams; worked in detainee operations at Camp Bucca’s Theater Internment Facility in Iraq and elsewhere; performed sniper, designated marksmen, airborne, and Army Ranger missions outside the wire in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Judgment: Sustained military service as model officers, noncommissioned officers and airmen has built trust from leadership and validated mentorship among their ranks. Certain Defenders are hereby ordered to share their experiences so others may benefit from pathways they’ve already trekked.

Continue to follow this series as the 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office highlights heroic 366th SFS Defenders and shares their stories.

Editor's note: This is part 1 of series on 366th SFS Defenders. Be prepared to read the riveting stories of Staff Sgt. Daniel Ball, Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, Tech. Sgt. James Zientek, Tech. Sgt. Francis Woznick, Master Sgt. Ryan Glosson, Senior Master Sgt. David Williams, Joshua Williams and other brave Defenders in the coming weeks.