TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- Captain Patrick Mitchell, 507th Security Forces Squadron commander, 507th Air Refueling Command has been recognized by the Air Force Reserve Command for his outstanding service.
During an assembly, Captain Mitchell was notified he had been selected for command recognition as the traditional reserve Outstanding Security Forces Company Grade Officer of the Year.
Captain Mitchell leadership resulted in his squadron achieving a long string of accolades while solidly demonstrating their professional mission focus.
During last summer's AFRC unit compliance inspection his squadron was praised as "one of the best SF squadrons to date this inspection cycle" with inspectors recognizing two security forces members as superior performers. Additionally his forces were lauded by inspectors as "best ever seen" for their antiterrorism, force protection program.
During the award period Captain Mitchell led efforts to support world-wide operations providing 33 security force members to assist active duty in Japan in addition to ensuring his forces were fully mission qualified and ready. His squadron demonstrated their effectiveness during a wing Operational Readiness Exercise blocking all opposing forces penetration attempts and neutralizing opposing force abilities to engage. During a squadron field training deployment tot Ft Sill, Okla., he persuaded U.S. Army instructors to provide Advanced Individual Explosive Device training to his security force members.
Captain Mitchell was previously recognized as the wing's Company Grade Officer of the Quarter. He is the only captain in the wing serving as a squadron commander and is the youngest commander to lead the 507th SFS.
His supervisors praise him as a superior commander who inspires excellence. His "people first" attitude helped accumulate 15 medals presented to squadron members and wing officials remarking there were "more medals awarded on your watch than well, ever." and the squadron achieving a 97 percent Airman retention rate. "I think it's a great honor to get recognized from among your peers for Capt Mitchell" states LtCol Lutz, 507 MSG/CC, "No one does this alone but Capt Mitchell leads from the front, setting the example everyday and that's pretty impressive."
He was elected to serve the command as the Junior Vice President of the Oklahoma Reserve Officer Association, representing thousands of reservists at Tinker AFB. In civilian life he donates time and financial support for a local Christian school and church and trains others in spiritual classes.