Security Forces couple receive PACAF honors

Published Dec. 6, 2013
By Master Sgt. David Miller
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A husband and wife deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing were notified Nov. 27 of their selection as 2013 Pacific Air Forces Security Forces annual award winners.

Master Sgt. Christopher Knabe received the Col. Billy Jack Carter Award for his accomplishments at home station, Misawa Air Base, Japan, as well his current undisclosed location. While his wife Senior Airman Robin Knabe was selected as PACAF's Outstanding Security Forces Staff Level Airman of the Year for her accomplishments as unit scheduler at Misawa AB.

Christopher is humble when it comes to winning his award.

"I do my job and do it to the best of my ability," said Christopher who hails from Oklahoma City. "I'm glad I have the opportunity to represent my unit and base, back at home and here at the 379th."

Christopher's award is named after Col. Billy Jack Carter, who was the first career security police officer assigned as director and chief of security police, headquarters U.S. Air Force. This award, in his honor, recognizes security forces members who have excelled in safeguarding Air Force personnel and resources.

Christopher served as a flight leader with the 35th Security Forces Squadron at Misawa AB and his efforts protected nearly 13,500 service members and families and resources totaling $3.5 billion. His leadership and expertise resulted in his flight receiving zero write-ups during the 2012 PACAF Inspector General Combined Unit Inspection, and receiving an overall excellent rating. The 35th SFS earned the 2012 PACAF Outstanding Medium Security Forces Unit award as well.

After serving as flight leader, Christopher then became the 35th Fighter Wing antiterrorism officer, at Misawa AB. His responsibilities included integrating Department of Defense, Headquarters Air Force, Pacific Command, Pacific Air Forces and host nation antiterrorism and force protection standards into Misawa AB's installation security strategy.

This level of experience and excellence was critical in his role here during his current deployment.

Christopher deployed in April to the 379th AEW and became the 379th AEW Force Protection superintendent. He was responsible for overseeing the Antiterrorism and Force Protection programs that provided protection for the largest airfield in Central Commands area of responsibility while ensuring safety and security of nearly 10,000 assigned service members and 300,000 transient service members.

1st Lt. Michael Scott, 379th AEW, chief of force protection, who is serving on a one-year assignment and hails from Hartford, Wis., worked hand-in-hand with Chris during his time as the superintendent of force protection said, "He is a Senior NCO who knows what right looks like and takes pride in leaving all that he is involved with better for those coming after him."

During Christopher's deployment, his wife Robin spent her time off at Misawa AB volunteering and raised more than $12,000 for unit functions while also working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

"I have a great support group at Misawa," said Robin who hails from Elizabeth, Colo. "I volunteer for things that make the squadron and security forces better."

Serving as the unit scheduler, Robin revamped scheduling and training processes. The 35th SFS earned the 2012 PACAF Traffic Safety Award and captured the 2013 second quarter 35th Mission Support Group team award.

"This recognition is validation of both of their abilities. Each task or project is accomplished perfectly, said Maj. Drew Gehler, 35th SFS commander. "They truly personify the essence of what it means to be Security Forces Airmen and I am truly honored to be serving with them both."

While the couple was apart, Robin found out she had a deployment opportunity which would offer them the chance to serve together on her first deployment and his fourth.
Christopher was able to extend his deployment and in November the Knabe's were reunited.

Christopher is currently the Check Six NCO in charge. Check Six is a U.S. Air Forces Central Command program key to meeting the AFCENT commander's priorities of defending the base, discipline and professionalism, and protect and to take care of each other.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Cantrell, 379th AEW force protection Check Six superintendent who is deployed from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., and hails from Livingston, Tenn., said, "He brings a sense of family to the Check Six office."

Robin currently works base defense which provides security of service members and assets assigned here.

Capt. Andrew Ferguson, 379th Security Forces Squadron operations officer who is assigned here on a one-year assignment and hails from Santa Clarita, Calif., said, "We were both stationed at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and she worked in the armory." "She would issue me weapons and equipment prior to convoys and her smile, upbeat attitude and professionalism was impressive and refreshing."

"I am grateful for those that put the package in for me and it means a lot," said Robin.

"I couldn't have received this award without my wife. Robin keeps me motivated and driven to move forward. She constantly inspires me to pursue excellence both personally and professionally."