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When 435th Security Forces Squadron Commander Maj. Jason Medsger passes the flag to Capt. Matt Garvelink in a change of command ceremony today on Sembach Kaserne, he will be going out on a high note.
Medsger and his defenders were recently named the Air Force’s best Security Forces Unit (Small Unit Category) for 2011. The 435th SFS provides rapidly deployable, multi-functional expeditionary security forces to open airbases, usually in the context of contingency operations.
They also serve as the sole regional training center for security forces in Europe. And while this mandates that they have an exceptionally diversified unit in terms of AFSCs, which Medsger called a distinguishing factor in the award, he said it ultimately comes down to quality.
“We have 12 AFSCs performing missions across three combatant commands. Of course, the bottom line is the people, and we’ve been fortunate to have the very best here,” Medsger said. “Being the sole regional training center in Europe is a unique responsibility. That means we bring in the best from across the command, and we get to learn from them while preparing them for deployment.”
In this process of preparing security forces to deploy, the unit excelled in several key areas, said Senior Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, 435th Security Forces manager.
“We had the premier combat arms training operation with our heavy weapons live-fire course,” Wolfe said. “We also ran USAFE’s only Raven program with 183 sorties last year, orchestrated the security component of Exercise Thracian Spring in Bulgaria and our program to send students to elite training courses put 40 Airmen in air assault, sniper, active shooter and ranger programs. We are all about providing our students and COCOM commanders with the specialized training and skill sets they need for everything from operating in a bare-base environment to conducting secure operations in hostile areas. The accomplishments in the awards package are a reflection of a truly special mix of professionals taking on an important mission for the command.”
Medsger said in addition to the satisfaction of being part of the unit’s overall success, he gained experience that will affect his approach going forward.
“My leadership style has evolved over the course of my career, but my time at the 435th has reinforced that for me the No. 1 responsibility of commanders is to take care of their people,” Medsger said.
He also took time to pay tribute to the people he has spent the last two years taking care of.
“I just want to thank everyone in our unit who I’ve had the pleasure to serve with over the last two years. It has truly been the highlight of my career to this point,” Medsger said. “Mareca, Krista, Laura and I will miss Germany and the men and women of the 435th SFS. The unit is in very good hands with the new commander, Major select Matt Garvelink and our security forces manager, Senior Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe. The two of them will continue to lead this unit to be the best in the Air Force.”
The outgoing commander is now preparing to join the Air Forces Central staff at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
Wolfe, in turn, lauded Medsger’s impact and imprint on the unit.
“Major Medsger is a combat veteran. He’s got deep background in airborne ops, which has made him the expert for the (Contingency Response Group). He also has spent significant time in his career in the training world, which is an obvious advantage. But what really separates him from the pack as a commander is his compassion. He cares about every single person in our unit.”
Garvelink comes in with the advantage of serving as the 435th SFS ops officer since June 2011.
The ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. today at Sembach Kaserne, Bldg. 141.
