21st SCS competes in 2008 Guardian Challenge

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Collier
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  The 21st Space Communications Squadron's two-man team tried to prove they're the "best of the best" April 22 during the 2008 Guardian Challenge communications squadron competition.

Competing in the Air Force Space Command-wide event, Senior Airmen Jack Needham and Jeremiah Toney, both technical controllers in the 21st SCS, were competing against rival communications squadrons to show who was better at supporting a space-based mission.

"The competition was good; it's what we expected," Airman Toney said. "There was a moderate amount of fun. Overall, it was enjoyable."

The competition challenged the Airmen in several areas of communications expertise, including communication security, or 'COMSEC,' procedures. They were also tested on emergency procedures in the event of damage to the squadron's facility from a fire or other natural disaster.

Before competing, inspectors briefed the Airmen on safety procedures. Afterward, they handed out scenario cards for Airmen Needham and Toney to react to. Airman Toney said the competition proved that if they didn't react in a timely manner in a real-world scenario, the base could lose a significant portion of its ability to communicate.

"The tech control facility is the heart of the (space communications) squadron with the limbs coming from our sister flights," he said.

His counterpart, Airman Needham, wasn't as thrilled in the beginning.

"It was stressful (for me). I was nervous as heck," Airman Needham said. "And once Colonel (Jay) Raymond visited, my stomach dropped. But once the competition started, the nervousness went away. That's when we went into the 'get-it-done' mode."

Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Omdal, the wing's command chief, visited the Guardian Challenge competitors to help bolster their morale beforehand. Colonel Raymond assured the Airmen they would win if they continued to communicate with one another during any challenges they faced.

"While you're going through the competition, press on with each challenge before you," the colonel said. "Stay professional, don't dwell on errors and communicate back and forth and you will win."

With the competition behind them and anxiously awaiting the results at the Guardian Challenge score presentation in early May, Airman Needham said it felt good to be chosen to represent their squadron.

"It's an honor to represent comm(unications)," he said. "It's also cool to be recognized by the people you work with because they know you're doing your job the best you can."

Airmen Toney and Needham will represent their squadron once more during Guardian Challenge events and activities, including a local Sky Sox game in Colorado Springs, Colo., and in attendance at the official GC ceremony.

 

United States Space Force logo

Official United States Space Force Website