Guam airman is recognized as best in the Air National Guard

A member of the 254th Security Forces Squadron received accolades as the best of the best in the entire Air National Guard Security Forces.

Captain Alvin R. Alvarez received the Outstanding Air Reserve Component Security Forces Company Grade Officer Award.

“I am very grateful and appreciate the recognition, but it is our airmen and the leadership in my unit and in the Guard that deserves the accolades,” said Alvarez.

He competed against Air National Guard company grade officers representing all 54 states and territories in the Security Forces specialty.

“This is another great accomplishment for our island. Captain Alvarez continues the tradition of putting the Guam Air National Guard on the map—he is also the first Air Guard officer to be recognized at the national level. I am extremely proud of Alvin and I extend my congratulations to him and his family,” said Maj. Gen. Benny M. Paulino, The Adjutant General, Guam National Guard.

In 2013, Alvarez led a team of 31 Guam airmen on a deployment to Al Udeid AB, Qatar, in support the Air Force’s Air and Space Expeditionary Force mission in Southwest Asia where they were primarily focused on the provision of base defense measures, inclusive of personnel and resource security. During that deployment, Alvarez and many of the Guam airmen were recognized for outstanding leadership and performance.

“I continue to be impressed with the caliber of our Guard airmen and the effort they put forth on a daily basis. In 2014, they were met with many challenges, but there were also some individual success stories. Our Security Forces members around the globe deserve a hearty thank you for facing these challenges head on while remaining the standard bearer of the professional Airman!” said Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clark III, Director, Air National Guard.

In his civilian capacity, he is a 5th grade teacher at Wettengel Elementary School in Dededo. He has been teaching in the Guam Department of Education for more than 17 years.

Alvarez joined the Guam Air National Guard in November 2003 as a Security Forces Airman and received his commission in November 2007. He is currently the deputy commander of the 254th Security Forces Squadron. Alvarez resides in the village of Yigo, with his wife, Hayette, and their three sons, Ethan, Tristan, and Caleb. (PR)