Grand Forks AFB defender receives prestigious award

by Airman 1st Class Ryan Sparks
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/14/2016 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A Warrior of the North defender was selected as the Air Force Outstanding Security Forces Flight Level NCO for 2015 on Jan. 8, 2016.

Tech. Sgt. Brent Kimbell, 319th Security Forces Squadron NCO-in-charge of anti-terrorism, was named Outstanding Security Forces Flight Level NCO at the squadron level, major command level and Air Force level.

"It's quite an honor," said Kimbell. "It validates what I've done and what everyone that has worked with me has done because NCOs don't win awards by themselves, they win awards for the things their Airmen do for them."

Kimbell has been a member of the United States Air Force for more than 11 years and has been stationed here since April 2015.

Kimbell said to win the award at the Air Force level, you must win at the squadron and MAJCOM level first. He feels the award focuses on the whole Airman concept which includes job performance, physical fitness, education and self-improvement, and base and community involvement.

Maj. Laura Showman, 319th SFS commander, is excited for Kimbell's award.
"This is a huge win for Tech. Sgt. Kimbell and for our squadron," said Showman. "I know there are more good things ahead."

Kimbell is proud to represent the Warriors of the North at the AF level.

"This is absolutely an amazing base and a lot of people don't realize it," said Kimbell. He hopes winning the award will inspire other Airmen to get involved on Grand Forks AFB.

Kimbell said he plans to keep pushing forward to improve himself. He hopes to make master sergeant, become a first sergeant and eventually make chief if he stays enlisted, but he also has aspirations of becoming an officer. He said he wants to be able to make the biggest positive impact on Airmen's lives.

Kimbell has words of advice for young Airmen that hope to have a successful career.

"Get involved, become the best at your job and strive to improve yourself personally and professionally," said Kimbell. "Get out of your comfort zone because if you only do things you're comfortable with, then you're never going to grow."