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Osan AFOSI agent honored by local police

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
  • Seventh Air Force Public Affairs

Special Agent Carlos Garcia, Office of Special Investigations Det. 611, was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Pyeongtaek Police Chief Chang, Jung Jin in a ceremony last month in Pyeongtaek.

The ceremony was held on the Republic of Korea’s 79th anniversary of National Police Day, Oct. 21, and honored 35 Korean National police officers and two U.S. service members.

"I believe that AFOSI has played a very important role in maintaining public safety," Chang said. "Especially in Pyeongtaek City, where the largest overseas U.S. military base is located, cooperation between the military and the local community is crucial."

He noted that AFOSI's expertise in crime prevention and investigation has been beneficial when working with local police.

"AFOSI has contributed to the prevention of SOFA-related incidents and accidents by sharing responsibilities such as joint responses to unauthorized drones, sharing information on demonstrations and protests near the base to ensure base security, sharing information on national security-related cases and conducting joint investigations, and collaborating on incidents involving explosives or firearms near Osan Air Base," he said.

Garcia led the AFOSI national security investigations team at Osan in multiple joint investigations with KNP combating the foreign threat around Osan. AFOSI and KNP have also created a “no drone” campaign around Osan Air Base leading to a decrease in unauthorized flights while also spreading awareness of the drone threats to airfields and sensitive areas.

"We were privileged to have Special Agent Garcia recognized by the KNP, an honor that underscores the deep respect and collaborative spirit that characterizes our relationship," said Special Agent Alana Lake, individual mobilization augmentee to the commander of Garcia’s detachment. "Garcia has been instrumental in addressing significant criminal and national security issues, including counter-drone initiatives amid heightened regional tensions, and investigations into drug trafficking and sexual assault. The invaluable support we receive from the KNP is crucial to the success of our mission."

AFOSI’s collaboration with Korean law enforcement and national security investigations dates to 1946, when then Army Air Forces agents began conducting national security and special investigations, in keeping with their jurisdiction, to support the peace and security of the Republic of Korea. Following AFOSI's activation in 1948, those Army Air Forces agents became AFOSI agents when the command established its first formal operational structure on the peninsula.

Notably, in 1950, AFOSI special agents provided counter-threat operations that provided vital intelligence about an imminent North Korean invasion, which ultimately sparked the Korean War . This critical information was relayed to General Douglas MacArthur’s Headquarters, offering an early warning of the attack. These events set the foundation for the unit’s enduring partnership with KNP.

Although the security landscape in the Republic of Korea has evolved, AFOSI's partnership with organizations like the KNP remains steadfast.

"I believe that continued mutual respect and cooperation will greatly contribute to the safety and public order of the local community," Chang said. "I will work to ensure not only the safety of Pyeongtaek citizens but also the security of U.S. military bases and the well-being of U.S. soldiers, their families, and civilian personnel in the area.

Chang’s focus on cooperation and community safety emphasized the importance of working together. Garcia shared a similar sentiment -- his accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without his team.

"This means a lot to me; however, it is and always will be a team effort," Garcia said. "Although this appears to be an individual recognition, I cannot give enough gratitude to my team, for without them, I would not have been able to accomplish as much as what this recognition represents."