SFS member recognized for going above the call of duty

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tiffany Colburn
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Master Sgt. William Peoples, 39th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, was recently selected as the U.S. Air Forces in Europe nominee for the 2007 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award. 

"It was an honor to be nominated by my squadron commander and wing leadership to represent Incirlik Air Base, not to mention being selected to represent USAFE for such a prestigious award," said Sergeant Peoples. 

"I nominated him for his outstanding people skills and willingness to help others at all hours of the day and night ... he truly goes above the call of duty," said Maj. Bryan Gillespie, 39th SFS commander. 

At Incirlik, Sergeant Peoples provides leadership to Incirlik's largest squadron of 259 active duty Air Force members at USAFE's only short tour Protection Level One main operating base in Force Protection Condition Charlie. He advises the commander and security forces manager on complex personnel issues, unit activities and Air Force policies affecting the entire military force. Sergeant Peoples also manages the enlisted Professional Military Education selection process, family care and quarterly/annual recognition programs for security forces. Additionally he monitors work centers, housing and recreational areas to assess health, morale, welfare and quality of life for the enlisted force. 

Having secured the USAFE nomination, Sergeant Peoples will now compete at the Air Force level. 

"Winning at the USAFE level tells me although he is in company with superior competition, he is a cut above," said Major Gillespie. "It also tells me we've got a great first sergeant and we (SFS) are happy he's our first shirt. There are no squadron boundaries for Sergeant Peoples when it comes to helping folks." 

"Having been a long time member of the NAACP and being versed in its history it's humbling for my name to be mentioned in the same sentence as Mr. Wilkins whom I consider one of the groundbreaking members of the organization," said Sergeant Peoples.