PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, Pa. — Steel Airmen assigned to the 911th Security Forces Squadron earned five annual awards at the Air Force Reserve Command level, two of which were selected as winners at the Headquarters Air Force level, highlighting excellence across officer, enlisted and specialized career fields.
At the AFRC level, Capt. Bilal Temsah was named Security Forces Air Reserve Component Company Grade Officer of the Year, while Capt. Anthony Harris earned Security Forces Company Grade Officer of the Year, recognizing superior leadership and performance among junior officers.
Temsah exemplified Reserve officer leadership by directing force protection operations amid rapidly evolving mission requirements. He led the repositioning of personnel and assets to ensure continued protection of expeditionary locations while balancing operational risk and available resources. Temsah also led responses to real-world threats and strengthened coordination with joint and interagency partners. Harris also demonstrated exceptional leadership during heightened regional conflict. He optimized Security Forces manpower by enabling a remote support capability which led to minimizing administrative burdens and increasing capacity for mission output.
Behind every accomplished commissioned officer is a strong fellowship of enlisted leaders who take a vision and make it a reality. The 911th SFS's NCO Corps met to every challenge 2025 threw at them. One of those Defenders was Master Sgt. Michael Scuillo, who received the Security Forces Operations Senior NCO of the Year award for sustained excellence while executing armed security and law enforcement mission sets.
While deployed in support of contingency operations, Scuillo played a key role in post-attack recovery by rapidly redistributing security forces assets to restore operational capability. As a senior leader within an expeditionary flight, he strengthened protective measures for personnel and critical resources across the installation. He also helped shape emergency response planning and coordinated joint training efforts that increased interoperability and mission readiness.
Another was Tech. Sgt. Jacob Thayer was selected as Security Forces Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Professional of the Year, recognizing exceptional performance supporting weapons training, range operations and armory functions.
As a combat arms professional supporting expeditionary operations, Thayer ensured weapons accountability and readiness across multiple armories. Upon assuming leadership of the section, he corrected critical discrepancies and improved inspection processes, enhancing operational effectiveness for deploying Defenders. His efforts streamlined armory operations and reduced delays during training and readiness exercises.
Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plizga earned the Todd “TJ” Lobraico Award, AFRC’s and Air National Guard’s highest Security Forces honor, recognizing the most significant contribution to the protection of Air Force, civilian personnel and resources during a declared contingency or emergency situation.
During a period of heightened regional tension, Plizga demonstrated exceptional leadership while overseeing air defense operations in support of expeditionary missions. As the NCO in charge of a critical air defense section, he ensured continuous protection of personnel and resources by maintaining full operational readiness of defensive systems. He responded to emergency taskings beyond normal duty hours while coordinating closely with mission partners during real-world events.
Temsah and Plizga advanced beyond the major command level and were selected as Headquarters Air Force award winners, placing them among the top Security Forces Airmen across the Total Force.
“The 911th SFS is home to some of the finest Defenders in our Air Force, and we are extremely proud of these Airmen selected for annual awards at both the HQ Air Force and AFRC levels,” said Lt. Col. Jason Price, 911th SFS commander. “These achievements reflect not only individual excellence, but the teamwork and professionalism that define our squadron.”
Annual Security Forces awards recognize Airmen based on leadership, mission impact and duty performance during the award period from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.