2025 CONGRATS are in order ….

AFSFA maintains three scholarship funds awarding up to ten (10) $500.00 grants yearly. These scholarships are available to all enlisted, active duty, ANG and AF Res Security Forces members in the rank of E-6 and below and their spouses. Filing period is 1 June through 31 July every year and the announcement and forms are found at the AFSFA web site: www.afsfaonline.com

AFSFA congratulates the following recipients:

2025 Charles J. Heubusch Scholarships recipients are: (12 total apps)
- SrA Corey L. Ruffule, 821st SFS, Pituffik SB, Greenland
- SSgt Hayde S. Cristan, 316th SFG, Joint Base Andrews, MD

2025 Security Forces Foundation Scholarship recipients are: (23 total apps)
- TSgt Meagan R. Hillengas, 88th SFS, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
- SrA Daniel A. Talbot, 118th SFS, Berry Field (ANG), TN
- SrA Christopher L. Bryant, 927th SFS, MacDill AFB (AFRC), FL
- SrA Joel T. Wall, 8th SFS, Kunsan AB, ROK
- SSgt Destini I. Chambers, 316th SFG, Joint Base Andrews, MD
- SSgt Hunter M. Dietrich, 6th SFS, MacDill AFB, FL

2025 Schlussel Family Scholarship recipients are: (3 total apps)
- SSgt Katlynn G. Schoch, 627th SFS, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
- SrA Stephanie Y. Choa, 6th SFS, MacDill AFB, FL

Congratulations to the 2025 BGen Allen J. Jamerson AFSFA Chapters of the Year:
- Chapter of the Year: Ron Blatman Evergreen Chapter

- Runner-Up Chapter of the Year:   Billie Renfroe Chapter

Congratulations to the 2025 BGen James M. Shamess AFSFA Writing Award:
- Winner is “Defense Force Training Initiative – A Warriors ETHOS” by SMSgt Brad M. Gaudet and SMSgt Joseph A. Sewell of the 88 SFS and published in the April – June 2025 Security Forces Magazine
- Honorable mention goes to the runner up article, “My Path to Being the First Woman on Beale’s Tactical Response Team” by A1C Janae Whaley of the 9th SFS and published in the October – December 2024 Security Forces magazine

Congratulations to 2025 AFSFA Hall of Fame Inductee:
- Santo Noce

AFSFA Board of Directors 2025 Electees:
- Board of Directors Scott Castillo, Joseph Mitchell & Lloyd Edwards

New AFSFA Regional Directors:
Region 2 Director: Carl Gingola
Region 3 Director: Gary Wiseman

Director of Security Forces Pins on Star

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA (PENTAGON) --  

Air Force Brig. Gen. Brian A. Filler formally pinned on his star during a ceremony celebrating his promotion on July 20 at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

In an event attended by Headquarters Air Force Security Forces staff, Filler’s wife, and their two children, retired Maj. Gen. John T. Wilcox II praised Filler as someone who has the perfect background and experience to lead the career field at this time of great consequence.

Wilcox noted that the Air Force is adapting to meet the challenges of today.

In his remarks, Filler thanked numerous family members, friends, mentors, and colleagues to whom he attributes his success.

A graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, Filler is a career security forces officer who has completed various command and staff assignments at the unit, major command, combatant command and Headquarters Air Force levels. Filler has deployed in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and supported Operation Inherent Resolve from Turkey.

Prior to assuming his current position, Filler served as Director, Air Force Colonel Management, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.

Filler currently serves as the Director of Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia. He is the focal point for ensuring base defense operations, the physical security of Air Force nuclear assets and planning, and programming for more than 43,000 active-duty and Reserve component security forces at locations worldwide.

As the Director of Security Forces, Filler has spent the past year ensuring Defenders are organized, trained, equipped and prepared to support operational and contingency plans. He also provides policy and oversight for protecting Air Force resources from terrorism, criminal acts, sabotage, and acts of war.

Filler understands that the career field finds itself at a critical juncture - marked by a new security environment.

“Embracing change is not a choice; it is a necessity,” said Filler. “I know that change is part of the Defender culture. Every Defender – civilian, uniformed, Guard, and Reserve – will play a crucial role in any future fight.”

From Service to Security: A Mission of Leadership and Legacy
Eric Kready, CPP
Director, Professional Certification Board ASIS International

Public service is more than a career—it is a calling. It demands integrity, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding others. Yet, every chapter of service must one day come to a close, whether by personal choice or institutional transition. What comes next is not just a career move; it is a transformation—one that requires foresight, preparation, and the right support.

For many military and law enforcement professionals, the civilian security sector offers a natural and meaningful second career. However, successfully navigating this transition is not automatic; it demands strategy, adaptability, and an understanding of how to translate years of dedicated service into civilian opportunities. The steps taken today—securing the right resources, building professional networks, and refining one’s approach—will shape tomorrow’s success.

“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.”
— General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Defenders,

Please join me in congratulating our newest Colonel Selects!

This year, the DAF selected 13 from our ranks for promotion to Colonel:

Col(S) John-Paul Adrian

Col(S) Nicholas Brence

Col(S) Patrick Gordon

Col(S) George Hern

Col(S) Christopher Jackson

Col(S) Matthew Kowalski

Col(S) Min Lee

Col(S) Matthew McGinnis

Col(S) Scott Patton

Col(S) Brian Rutt

Col(S) Brett Skates

Col(S) Gilbert Wyche

Col(S) Kyle Yates

The Air Force and Defender Nation has already benefited from these officers, and we look forward to them continuing to lead in more senior roles!

To all our selects, please take a moment to thank your families on my behalf. They have certainly put in more than their fair share of long hours and made sacrifices to walk this path with you!

Congratulations to you all and continue to lead well!

Best,
Brig Gen Filler