Comm squadron charges into Guardian Challenge Published April 8, 2010 By 1st Lt. Ashley Hardt 21st Communications Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Peterson Air Force Base is the proud host of this year's Guardian Challenge contest, an event held every two years creating friendly competition for the title of best space and cyberspace wing in the Air Force. The 21st Communications Squadron technical control shop tackled that challenge head-on by kicking off their portion of the competition with a pep rally and a lot of enthusiasm April 1 at the 21st CS building. The three-member inspection team was greeted with a red carpet welcome and a breakfast bar. One Airman said he was excited to be selected to compete in the challenge. "When I found out I was chosen for the 21st CS Guardian Challenge team I was excited," said Senior Airman Brandon Burtch, 21st CS technical control technician. "It's an honor to be selected, and a great opportunity to hone my technical skills. I was nervous during the challenge, but about an hour into it, I started to relax and really enjoy myself." During the last 30 days, the 21st Space Wing space communications team has prepared for the competition through rigorous review of technical equipment specifications and detailed communications security guidelines. They also conducted meticulous familiarity training on network platforms, which encompass many highly complex communication systems supporting the Front Range. "The experience was a unique one at that," said Senior Airman Jonathon Socha, 21st CS technical control technician. "It started off with a little bit of anxiety as we waited for the competition to begin. It gave us a chance to think on our feet and I have to say in the end I am proud of what we accomplished." The 21st CS competition has gained a huge amount of publicity and recognition from the 21st Space Wing leadership. Col. Kimerlee Conner, 21st Mission Support Group commander and the 21st SW mascot, Iron Mike, made an appearance at the event, in support of this type of competition throughout the Air Force Space Command. "After witnessing my first Guardian Challenge event, it is easy to see why it attracts so much support," said 2nd Lt. Brian Belongia, 21st CS projects officer. "The energy preparing our communication team raised the morale of the entire unit. I was truly inspired as we greeted the judges and motivated our competitors before their competition." According to some, the performance of these Airmen demonstrates the dedication and motivation that today's Air Force troops have for completing the mission and ensuring accuracy and efficiency on all critical operations. "I am extremely proud of our team for their dedication and initiative" said Master Sgt. Todd Ellis, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 21st CS control facility. "I am also highly appreciative of the remaining members of my technical control facility team for their support in helping the competition team ready themselves and taking up the slack while the competitors trained. The team has made every effort to prepare themselves and ensure the 21st Space Wing holds on to the honor of having the top tech control facility team in Air Force Space Command." The winners of this year's Guardian Challenge event will be announced in May, when trophies will be awarded for the best wing teams and also to the best operations crews, space communications and security forces individuals and teams.