Security Forces commander awarded Bronze Star

by Tech. Sgt. Shane Ellis
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/9/2014 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C.  -- The 315th Security Forces Squadron commander here was awarded the Bronze Star Feb. 9 for his leadership and involvement while engaged in ground operations in and around Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

Maj. Shawn M. Swarz earnedt the fourth highest combat decoration a military member can receive for heroism, bravery or meritorious service.

Swarz served as the operations officer for the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Group, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram from Sept. 1, 2012 to March 10, 2013.

Swarz lead Task Force 455's joint targeting cell, fusing intelligence from nine organizations into operations planning, which led to the capture or kill of 47 insurgents. He conducted 16 combat patrols, which disrupted insurgent activity in 13 named areas of interest throughout a 220 square mile battlespace, and his efforts resulted in a 53 percent decline in indirect fire attacks and a 60 percent decrease in surface to air fires.

Additionally, Swarz participated in weekly shuras and key leader engagements with Afghan provincial and district leaders. He planned and coordinated force protection operations supporting 36,000 base personnel and $3.5 billion in combat assets.

His leadership abilities were also displayed when he spearheaded a counter Improvised Explosive Device course for the Afghan National Police, which resulted in 12 graduates. Other accomplishments include the emplacement of $4.3 million in T-walls and 22 kilometers of razor wire, which resulted in zero perimeter breaches over a five-month period.

"It's a great honor," said Swarz of receiving the award. "I'm here because of all of the great people that work for me and the mentors who helped me get to where I am today. Being deployed always brings many challenges, obstacles and hazards. Coming together as a team, and knowing how to put all of the elements together, are major factors of success. I'm very fortunate to be in the position I'm in. I have great leaders, as well as great people that know how to execute missions and get things done."

When asked what advice he has for his fellow leaders and Airmen, Swarz had the following words of wisdom.

"Go with what you're trained to do," he said. "In our unit we train all the time. We have Airmen deployed right now, and they are doing exactly what they are trained to do. They are all over the AOR right now, and we're getting great feedback on them. I'm confident that the people in my squadron are up to do the mission whenever they are called upon, because you never know when that's going to be."