2 SWS brings home national award Published Jan. 19, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Nigel R. Sims 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A 2nd Space Warning Squadron first lieutenant won the award for the Missile Defender of the Year for 2010. This award honors individuals with outstanding support, innovation, and engineering or scientific achievement associated with technologies designed to defend against ballistic missiles and whose efforts have helped make missile defense a reality. 1st Lt. Brian K. Yoakam has done just that. Lieutenant Yoakam was very honored and thrilled to become the recipient of this award. "Winning the Missile Defender of the Year 2010 for the entire Air Force is truly an honor," said Lieutenant Yoakam. "It is great to be recognized for the award but there are numerous missile defenders operators that are equally deserving. I hope the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance continues the tradition of honoring deserving military operators so that more units are recognized for the amazing work being done in support of America's missile defense" Lieutenant Yoakam has integrated missile defense training, testing, and execution for more than 185 missile warning operators, ensuring the national defense. He also directed the integration of the Space-Based Infrared System into 24 Missile Defense Agency flight and ground tests valued at more than $8 billion, according to the citation for the award. Lieutenant Yoakam deployed to the Combined Air and Space Operations Center where he led 4 theater missile defense exercises and executed five real world missile events by alerting ten air bases and safe-guarding more than 200,000 troops. "Lieutenant Yoakam is an excellent Airman," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Jenkins, 2nd Space Warning Squadron commander. "He is a true asset to our organization. We are thrilled that he won this award on behalf of the Air Force and are excited for the recognition that its brought to our mission."