612th Information Operations Team honored with ACC Outstanding Information Operations Unit Award Published Sept. 30, 2008 By Capt. Nathan D. Broshear 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 612th Information Operations Team was honored Friday as recipients of the 2007 ACC Outstanding Information Operations Unit Award. The award recognizes the team's information operations and strategic communications contributions to Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern)'s initiatives in Central, South America and the Caribbean. "We're truly humbled by the recognition -- and look forward to many more years of cooperation with our colleagues at US Southern Command Information Operations, Strategic Communications, AFSOUTH Public Affairs and the 612th Air and Space Operations Center," said Lt. Col. Billy Roberson, the 612th IO Team Chief. "Our job is to work in concert with a variety of communicators to project information within our theatre to maximize the effect of AFSOUTH's strategic message to partner nations -- emphasizing cooperation, mutual respect, security and stability in the USSOUTHCOM area of focus." The IO Team was recognized for assisting in operations ranging from Presidential visits to Latin America, regional airshows, medical engagements and humanitarian operations. Even while supporting operations in the Southern Hemisphere, the team also managed to deploy personnel in support of ongoing operations in Southwest Asia. "Our primary focus is Central, South America and the Caribbean," explained Lt. Col. Roberson. "But just as every unit in the Air Force supports Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, so do we...for example, one of our team members was able to support the development of leaflets, which were later dropped to influence Afghan fighters." Later, the team wrote plans key to strengthen relations with Peru during a joint exercise, drafted plans with Public Affairs representatives to assist communicators during relief operations in the Dominican Republic and developed new OPSEC plans for Combined Air Operations Centers during Blue Flag exercises. "I'm extremely proud of the work this group of professionals has accomplished -- the recognition belongs to each of them," concluded Colonel Roberson. "They embody the true 'TEAM' concept: Together Everyone Achieves More."