916th Security Forces member wins national award

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  The Air Force Reserve certainly has its fair share of volunteers offering to serve in the desert, but with family and civilian employers at home, volunteering twice is something most reservists don’t consider. 

Staff Sgt. Daniel S. Paus didn’t even think twice before volunteering for his second rotation in the Middle East. This, among many other sacrifices, garnered Sergeant Paus the prestige of recently being named Outstanding Security Forces Traditional Reservist Noncommissioned Officer of the Year by Air Force Reserve Command. 

Sergeant Paus, a security forces specialist with the 916th Air Refueling Wing, is currently serving his second rotation assigned to Central Command. 

Selected as a distinguished graduate at Advanced Desert Warfare Training, Sergeant Paus served as a squad leader while stationed in Iraq, helping troops maintain morale by solving personal and professional issues that arose. He also patrolled the area around Kirkuck Regional Air Base, supporting intelligence efforts while protecting military assets. 

“Sergeant Paus personifies excellence in an NCO,” said Maj.. Jeff Poupart, 916th Security Forces Squadron commander. “His leadership, professionalism and devotion to duty are amazing.” 

Sergeant Paus was able to hone some of his skills while stationed in Afghanistan in 2002 and 2003. When he returned to stateside his experience was still needed by the Air Force. He supported the 4th Fighter Wing Security Forces and was selected as acting chief for the 4th FW Security Forces Flight; a true accomplishment for a junior NCO.
Sergeant Paus led the 916th ARW’s Security Forces Team at Air Mobility Command’s Rodeo Competition in mid-2005 and was recognized by as a top performer by AFRC leadership. 

News of Sergeant Paus’ award did not come as a surprise to 916th wing leadership.
“Sergeant Paus is a true leader,” said Col. Paul J. Sykes, 916th ARW commander. “He continually sets the example both at home and abroad. He dedicates his time making the 916th a better unit and sacrifices himself to serve this nation. He is exactly the type of quality individual I’m proud to have serving on the frontlines.” 

Sergeant Paus, when home, also finds time to give back to his community. He dedicates his spare time to helping with the Special Olympics as a judge and coach and is a staunch supporter of the base’s Airmen Against Drunk Driving program. 

Unavailable for comment due to his current deployment, Sergeant Paus was no doubt excited to learn about this recognition. 

“He incessantly strives to be the best,” Maj. Poupart said. 

And from the Air Force Reserve standpoint he is.

Editor’s note: Sergeant Paus will now compete at the Air Force level. Air Force awards are expected to be announced in late spring.