MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Most service members walk about the station not realizing what it takes on a daily basis to keep the station safe.
Andrew Samuels, a retired Air Force master sergeant and current Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni anti-terrorism officer, knows all too well the level of dedication it takes to keep local residents safe.
Samuels was recently awarded the 2009 Security and Law Enforcement Civilian Marine of the Year Award in Austin, Texas, at the annual Security and Law Enforcement conference.
To understand why Samuels won the Security and Law Enforcement Civilian Marine of the Year Award, you have to understand where he came from. Jan. 27, 1965, Joe and Betty Samuels gave birth to Andrew R. Samuels in Torrance, Calif.
He grew up in Lynwood, Calif., a place with a moderate amount of crime in his time. Lynwood today currently exceeds the national average in most criminal categories. While growing up in Lynwood, Samuels noticed plenty of crimes and wanted to make a change in the world.
“Growing up in those areas, it braces you to be able to deal with things,” said Samuels.
Upon graduation from Lynwood High School in 1983, Samuels enlisted in the Air Force and joined the security forces career field.
“I always wanted to be in a position to make positive changes,” said Samuels.
Samuels set the example for other airmen and conducted himself as a model citizen by serving his country for 20 years before retiring. His awards include the Pacific Air Force 2001 Japanese Air Self Defense Security guard of the Year, 2001 U.S. Forces and Japan Best Anti-Terrorism Program for installation, operational unit, innovative action individual, and innovative action unit.
After retirement from the Air Force, Samuels decided to continue his profession of protecting and serving his country by becoming the local anti-terrorism officer here.
“I give it 100 percent. I work hard to make positive changes,” said Samuels. “If I make a mistake and I’m not doing what I’m supposed to do, someone out here is going to lose their life. I have that weight on my shoulders.”
He truly loves what he does and believes his actions make a difference as do all service members’ actions. As a civilian he has been awarded the Pacific Command 2005 Best Antiterrorism Program Manager multiple times as well as the PACO M Best AT Installation Award. Samuels’ average day consists of being at work by 7 a.m. and working until 7 p.m. During those 12 hours of work you can find Samuels in a number of places around station.
He checks if doors are locked around base to raids local dumpsters searching for the smallest bit of information a terrorist could exploit. Samuels takes his own time out of every day to ensure he performs his job to the Marine Corps’ highest standards while still managing to be a father and husband.
“The Marine Corps does more with less,” said Samuels. “I’ve learned to adapt.”
He is married to the former Fukuko Tenma of Tohoku-machi, Japan, and has two boys, Rodney, 8, and Speed, 6. During his free time, Samuels likes to go out and sightsee with his family. He has been to numerous places around the world in his time serving the military.
“I’m big into sightseeing and listening to relaxing music,” said Samuels. “Those two things keep me going.” He takes his job very seriously.
Throughout the year he is found giving professional military education briefs on trash around base to make sure local Marines, sailors and other government employees are disposing of important documentation properly.
“Mr. Samuels’ anti-terrorism/ force protection programs have been an integral part in ensuring MCAS Iwakuni is able to perform both its day-to-day and wartime missions,” said Col. Michael A. O’Halloran, commanding officer for MCAS Iwakuni in a letter of nomination.
Samuels doesn’t do his job to be called a hero, he does his job because he is a professional and loves his family and country. He just tries his best to keep both as safe as possible, one day at a time.