JOINT BASE ANDEWS, Md — Tech Sgt. Michael Perez, 459th Security Forces Squadron, recently won an Air Force Reserve Command level award for his hard work and dedication to his unit in 2019. Perez currently serves as the assistant Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Security Forces Training and Readiness. He was nominated for the AFRC Outstanding Security Forces Support Staff NCO award by his leadership for outstanding duty accomplishments, selfless service to the community, and self-improvementefforts.
Perez led the first ever 168 hour multi-squadron level exercise which resulted in maximum effort training and lethality. He was also hand selected as the 459th Mission Support Group’s mobility lead, procuring 12,000 equipment items totaling $750 thousand.
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Perez also played a huge role in the biggest deployment the squadron has ever seen.
“I am currently the unit deployment manager. In 2019, we deployed 90 people from the squadron. That’s pretty big for one unit,” he said. “We got them trained and ready, and sent them out the door with zero issues.”
Perez also modernized the unit’s equipment by replacing 130 Berreta’s with the new Sig Sauer P320, increasing weapons capabilities, Perez said. The 459 SFS is the only Security Forces reserve unit currently carrying the new pistol deployed and at home station. Furthermore, he helped instruct and evaluate more than 150 security forces personnel on new use of force methods ensuring effectiveness for deployment.
“Mike Perez is a solid individual all around,” said Maj. Thomas Lowe, 459th Security Forces Squadron Commander. “As a person, he’s charismatic and easily approachable. As a military member and better yet, a ‘Defender’, he is meticulous with everything he’s charged to attack. His passion for detail and the well-being of others is seen through his dedicated work ethic since joining the 459 SFS. Our members have undergone a cultural transformation by being equipped, trained, and assisted with modern day equipment, curated hands on-training, and dedicated service with every aspect of unit requirements. When you trace back the veins of success, this is where you’ll find Mike and realize he’s always been at the forefront of our unit’s growth and accomplishments.”
In addition to his hard work ethic, Perez is also a dedicated member of the local community. In his free time, he raises money for the families of fallen Navy SEALs as well as organizing charity events for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“I enjoy helping others and giving back,” Perez said. “Being able to play a role in honoring our fallen heroes and helping out veterans is a great feeling. I love helping out as much as I can.”
The hard work and volunteering doesn’t stop there for Perez. He also makes sure to carve out time for self-improvement. Last year, he was awarded his community college of the Air Force degree in criminal justice as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in service management. He also dedicated hours of training towards achieving his Defense Property Accountability System certification making him his unit’s information technology equipment custodian.
“I am grateful for my leadership submitting me for this award,” Perez said. “I couldn’t have done it without the help and support from my peers and supervision. I will continue to work hard to ensure the unit is staying on track.”
By Staff Sgt. Cierra Presentado, 459 ARW/PA / Published January 30, 2020
Tech Sgt. Michael Perez, 459th Security Forces Squadron, assistant Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Training and Readiness, poses for a photo Jan. 30, 2020 at Joint Base Andrews Md. Perez recently won the AFRC Outstanding Security Forces Support Staff Non-Commissioned Officer award at the Air Force Reserve Command level. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Cierra Presentado)
Tech Sgt. Michael Perez, 459th Security Forces Squadron, assistant Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Training and Readiness, sorts through a box of uniforms Jan. 30, 2020, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Perez recently won the Outstanding Security Forces Support Staff Non-Commissioned Officer award at the Air Force Reserve Command level. (U.S. Air Force photo/SSgt. Cierra Presentado)
