Security Forces Airman of the Year

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Senior Airman Ashley Tubbs didn't join security forces to change tires and work on vehicles. But that didn't stop her from taking those duties in stride during her deployment in Iraq. 

For a while, her squadron didn't have vehicle maintenance, "So we became mechanics also," Airman Tubbs said. "I was in charge of the vehicles, so whenever anything broke, I had to fix that. I had no idea what ball bearings were until then." 

And when ordnance was found in off-base housing here, she helped evacuate the area and called in the authorities to remove it and ensure the safety of residents. 

It's that kind of flexibility and leadership that led to Airman Tubbs being named the 2008 Air Force Outstanding Security Forces Airman of the Year for the period of Oct. 1, 2007 through Sept. 30, 2008. 

"I'm extremely proud and honored to have the 2008 Outstanding Security Forces Flight Level Airman assigned to our squadron," said Maj. Scott Foley, commander of the 96th Security Forces Squadron. "Whether serving Team Eglin and the 96th SFS defenders as an S1 staff member or exemplifying the warrior ethos in combat operations in Iraq, Airman Ashley Tubbs is the epitome of today's Airman." 

Words such as "brilliant and charismatic leader" dot the award nomination submitted for Airman Tubbs. She appears a little embarrassed by all the fuss.
"It's just an honor to hear things like that," said Airman Tubbs, smiling shyly. "I couldn't do it without the leadership and my peers around me helping me." 

During the Airman's 12-month deployment, she was part of the Air Force Police Transition Team, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for her efforts. She instructed Iraqi police on law enforcement operations, and trained and mentored more than 3,000 recruits toward independent operations. 

Airman Tubbs also received the Combat Action Medal after actively engaging the enemy on three IED strikes resulting in zero squadron or battalion casualties. 

Her first experience with an IED came just 2-1/2 months in country during a convoy. The second vehicle, the one Tubbs would normally drive, was hit by the IED. Luckily, the convoy was close to its destination and no one was injured. A fellow airman was videotaping when the incident occurred. 

"It was an interesting time because our video ended up going to Balad and it was used for a training video because we all got out of the kill zone in ten seconds, which is faster than most," said Tubbs. 

In an incident here at Eglin, a grenade launcher round was found at off-base housing. A family had recently moved and a cleaning lady found it in the garage. She didn't know what it was and called it in. Airman Tubbs was called to respond. 

"It was a really neat experience ... because that stuff never happens here," she said. 

Airman Tubbs has had a stellar year. In August, she also won the Lance P. Sijan Award, which recognizes those "who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and the conduct of their lives," according to the citation. 

In April 2009, Airman Tubbs will go to a symposium in Texas to be recognized and receive the 2008 Outstanding Security Forces Airman of the Year award. 

Supervisor Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Staub also has high praise for the modest airman. "Senior Airman Tubbs is a pleasure to work with," she said. "She always has a smile on her face and kind word to say." 

"There's no doubt in my mind that Senior Airman Tubbs represents thousands of outstanding Airmen in security forces serving the greatest Air Force in the world," wrote Maj. Foley. 

On Friday, the Airman received a commander's coin from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during his visit here.
"It was great. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," she said.