Since 1987 SFCC has recognized an outstanding alumnus at spring commencement. Read about the latest award winner and nominate a graduate for the next year’s award.
Lt. Col. Justin Secrest, Commander of the 509th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) at Whiteman Air Force Base, has been named SFCC’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and will address the graduates. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from SFCC in 1993 during his first enlisted assignment at Whiteman.
Under Secrest’s leadership, the 509th SFS defends Stealth Bombers, U.S. resources and the Whiteman community with 24-hour security coverage. The Air Force awarded the 509th SFS the 2017 Air Force Global Strike Command Outstanding Security Forces Unit for exhibiting “unparalleled vigilance in accomplishing their mission.”
Prior to his current assignment at Whiteman that began July 2016, Secrest served as Deputy Commander, 341st Security Forces Group, Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, Montana. He has served in Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Space Command and Air Force Global Strike Command in all levels of security forces. From 2007-2008, Secrest served in Iraq as compound commander for over 3,000 detainees.
Secrest holds a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from Webster University and a Master of Military Studies from Marine Corps University. He is a graduate of FBI National Academy Session 240 and Marine Command and Staff College. He has earned multiple certifications in anti-terrorism and law enforcement and has written multiple articles such as “The Professionalization of Security Forces 1947-2012–Insights for Leaders” and “Media’s Role in Operation Iraqi Freedom Detention Operations.”
In 2001, through the Air Force Officer Training School, Secrest earned a commission, graduating number one out of 305 trainees and earning outstanding graduate status and the Chappie James Leadership Award. In 2000, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from Regents College and the Community College of the Air Force’s (CCAF) Occupational Instructor Certification. Secrest holds three CCAF Associate of Applied Science degrees: Security Administration, Electronic Systems Technology and Instructor of Technology and Military Science.
A native of Pleasant City, Ohio, Secrest’s family includes wife Jenn and three children. Kelis, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, is a Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant Artillery officer. Logan is a senior at Western Kentucky University, and Evelyn is a senior at Knob Noster High School. Secrest enjoys running, golf and playing his guitar – but mostly he loves his family and leading airmen.
Distinguished Alumni Recipients
| 2017 | Dr. Kristee Lorenz | Class of 1986 |
| 2016 | Jorge R. Guevara | Classes of 2005, 2006, 2009 |
| 2015 | Dr. Jennifer Hargrave | Class of 1998 |
| 2014 | Roger C. Austin | Class of 1986 |
| 2013 | Dr. Dean Dohrman | Class of 1987 |
| 2012 | Tom Gerke | Class of 1976 |
| 2011 | James Trujillo, Jr. | Class of 2004 |
| 2010 | Saundra Overton | Classes of 1984, 1989 |
| 2009 | Debbie Noland | Class of 1972 |
| 2008 | Nellie K. Owen, DVM | Class of 1991 |
| 2007 | Marlin G. Hammond | Class of 1972 |
| 2006 | David C. Furnell | Class of 1981 |
| 2005 | Peggy Richardson | Class of 1977 |
| 2004 | Susan Horton | Classes of 1979, 1980, 1994 |
| 2003 | Elaine Paxton | Class of 1971 |
| 2002 | Dennis Shull | Class of 1980 |
| 2001 | Eric Yazell | Class of 1987 |
| 2000 | Brad Schnackenberg | Class of 1989 |
| 1999 | Brad Dittmer | Class of 1979 |
| 1998 | James Rennison | Class of 1974 |
| 1997 | Jane Luper | Class of 1975 |
| 1996 | Patricia Gillman | Class of 1988 |
| 1995 | Evelyn Jorgenson | Class of 1972 |
| 1994 | Tony Claxton | Class of 1980 |
| 1993 | Barry Guier | Class of 1977 |
| 1992 | Leonard Dixon | Class of 1977 |
| 1991 | Ruth Elmore | Class of 1982 |
| 1990 | Cam Jennings | Class of 1974 |
| 1989 | Thomas Deuschle | Class of 1978 |
| 1988 | Josephine Dey | Class of 1979 |
| 1987 | Debbie Biermann | Class of 1973 |
