820th SFG member named top SF civilian

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Schloeffel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  An 820th Security Forces Group civilian recently garnered top Air Force honors for his dedication ensuring the unit's Airmen succeed despite the high operations tempo of their mission.

Robert Le Fever, 820th SFG chief of operations and training, won the Air Force Security Forces Civilian of the Year award.

Mr. Le Fever dedicates the award to the outstanding work of those taking it to the enemy in the global war on terror, he said.

"I was definitely surprised to find I won an award like this," said Mr. Le Fever. "The Airmen who work in my sections make me look good and take care of me, so I'm mostly just proud of them. I attribute my success to them, and if I could, I'd give it all back to the Airmen."

Mr. Le Fever's job entails the supervision and management of five different sections in the operations division of the 820th SFG, which includes the civil engineer, training, plans, military working dog and air drop sections.

He also plays a major role in the creation of the many cutting-edge training facilities and projects that help prepare 820th SFG Airmen for the deployed environment. The military operations in urban terrain village, an area where 820th SFG Airmen practice combat skills in a simulated town environment, is one example where Mr. Le Fever's skills were crucial to the project that helps the unit succeed in deployed operations.

"I helped plan and organize the MOUT village, and oversaw how the funds were set up to make it possible," said Mr. Le Fever. "The area allows Airmen to practice war-time urban skills, which includes tactics like kicking in doors, clearing and searching rooms, and approaching buildings. These skills are crucial for Airmen to learn for combat situations they may face in Iraq."

Preparing 820th SFG Airmen for these scenarios is what Mr. Le Fever enjoys most about his career, he said.

"The largest part of my job is preparing the Airmen for war, so training is the main thing," said Mr. Le Fever. "For me, making their training as realistic as possible is the rewarding part. If I can increase their chances for survival in combat, then I'm doing my job."

The security forces career field is no stranger to Mr. Le Fever, as he spent 23 years on the military side of the profession before becoming a civilian. In addition, he spent three years in the Army as an infantryman before joining the Air Force.

"I feel extremely lucky to have received the opportunity to still be able to help the military and the security forces career field," said Mr. Le Fever, who also worked for the then-347th Security Forces Squadron as chief of police operations. "I also really enjoy working for the 820th SFG, because we're such a tight unit with a high level of camaraderie. We have so many outstanding Airmen, which makes this a great place to work."

The skills and work ethic Mr. Le Fever possesses from many years in security forces have helped mold the 820th SFG into a premier war-fighting asset in the war on terror, said Lt. Col. Arturo Buxo, 820th SFG deputy commander.

"Mr. Le Fever has the experience and in-depth knowledge to make vital contributions to the Air Force's army, which is what we are here," said Colonel Buxo. "He knows what it takes to get the mission accomplished and has tremendous leadership traits. This award only confirms what we already knew about him - he's the best in the Air Force."