Grand Forks NCO named top AF defender

Published Jan. 14, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Ryan Sparks
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- A member of the 319th Security Forces Squadron from Grand Forks Air Force Base was selected as the Air Force Outstanding Security Forces Flight Level NCO for 2015 Jan. 8.

Tech. Sgt. Brent Kimbell, the 319th SFS NCO in charge of anti-terrorism, was named the best in his category at the squadron, major command and Air Force levels.

"It's quite an honor," Kimbell said. "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 Air Force for more than 11 years and has been stationed here since April 2015.

He said that 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, the 319th SFS commander, was elated for Kimbell's recent accomplishment.

"This is a huge win for Tech. Sgt. Kimbell and for our squadron," she said. "I know there are more good things ahead."

Kimbell said he’s proud to represent the “Warriors of the North” at the top level.

"This is absolutely an amazing base and a lot of people don't realize it," he said, adding that he hopes the award will inspire other Airmen to get involved on the base.

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," he said. "Get out of your comfort zone because if you only do things you're comfortable with, then you're never going to grow."