2 AFSOC officers dominate pistol competition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melanie Holochwost
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Nearly 200 Airmen from local bases recently participated in a shooting competition here.

Each competitor fired 30 rounds using an M-9 government-issued pistol with the hopes of being in the top 10 percent and earning an Excellence in Competition Pistol Badge. The badge is worn on the Air Force dress uniform below the ribbon rack.

One of the winners, Lt. Col. Benjamin Boyd, the personnel support division chief at Air Force Special Operations Command, said this was his second time earning the badge.

“The first time was about 10 years ago when I was in Arkansas for pilot training,” he said. “And, I haven’t seen this competition since then. I’m glad they brought it back.”

Boyd, a self-proclaimed “redneck” from Mississippi, said he’s been shooting all of his life.

“I never give up the chance to shoot,” he said. “This is the first time I’ve seen AFSOC host this, and I’ve been here since 1999. I know this isn’t an easy event to put on, but I hope they do it again.”

Col. Rene Leon, the maintenance division chief at AFSOC, was also in the top 10 percent.

“The 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron ran a tight, safe range,” he said. “There were some timed events so you had to quickly acquire the target and take your shot. We also had to shoot one-handed, unsupported.”

Leon said he urges everyone to compete if they get the chance.

“The more people who compete, the better the event,” he said. “You definitely don’t have to be an expert.”

The 1st SOSFS plans on holding another pistol competition in the spring.

For more information, contact the combat arms section at (850) 884-6176.