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Security forces observe National Police Week on 'The Rock'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Each year in the United States 140 to 160 police officers are killed in the line of duty. May 10 kicks off National Police Week at "The Rock" in which members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, along with the rest of the nation, pay special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

In recognition of this special observance, the 386th and 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadrons have a variety of events planned throughout the week to which all base members are invited.

"We hope the base community takes the time to enjoy the events we have planned and help us honor the memory of those who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting," said Senior Airman KayLynn Perez of the 386th ESFS.

National Police Week events at "The Rock" and points of contact include:

- National Police Week luncheon, May 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Flex
- One-pitch, single-elimination softball tournament, May 11-12 from 6-9 p.m. at the softball field, Tech. Sgt. Christopher McCrady at DSN 442-9945 or Staff Sgt. Jordon Steffen at DSN 442-5044
- National Police Week Defender Challenge, May 13 from 7-9 a.m. at the Rock Pavilion, Senior Airman KayLynn Perez at DSN 442-9700 or Master Sgt. Paul McGrory at DSN 442-9700
- Security Forces Retreat Ceremony, May 14 at 4:30 p.m. at the base flagpole, Airman Perez at DSN 442-9700 or Sergeant McGrory at DSN 442-9700
- 24-Hour Vigil Run, May 15 at 12:01 a.m. at the approved PT track around the pool, Master Sgt. Kenneth Packwood at DSN 450-1913
- 386th ESFS Open House, May 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at "The Ranch", 1st Lt. Mark Phillips at DSN 442-2171

"These events are designed to provide the local community a way to show their appreciation for those who serve and protect and, if necessary, lay down their lives for their fellow citizens," said Master Sgt. Paul McGrory of the 386th ESFS.

Most of the events are open to the base populace for participation to include the softball tournament, Defender Challenge, retreat ceremony, 24-hour vigil run and the open house. Those interested should contact each event's respective point of contact in order to participate.

"Given the uniqueness of a deployment, we are hoping to share a little glimpse of what it means to wear a badge and beret with the rest of the base populace through the week's events," said Master Sgt. Robert Wolfe, 386th ESFS first sergeant. "Our goal is to showcase and provide a chance for people to understand and appreciate the pride, compassion, physical demands and mental challenges of a security forces defender."

Sergeant McGrory, who has been in the security forces career field for 13 years, said he takes great pride in being part of an elite group of military law enforcement officers.

"First of all, I'm not sure of the exact figure, but I believe it's less than one percent of the American population [who join] any branch of the armed forces," he said. "Secondly, my fellow security forces members chose what I like to call 'a path with heart'. Being a member of the law enforcement community, no matter where you choose to follow that calling in life, is in my opinion the most noble and honorable of professions. I intend to continue a career serving and protecting upon my eventual retirement from the U.S. Air Force security forces."

Airman Perez added that she is extremely proud of the work her fellow security forces members have put forth in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility over the last several months.

"I believe my fellow security forces members are performing an excellent job in helping not only the base community but also the host nation's community off base," she said. "Security forces members help the community by ensuring all areas on the installation are secure and by only allowing authorized personnel and vehicles into those locations. This in turn prevents resources from being tampered with by unauthorized individuals which could potentially cause injury or death to personnel on base. The off base patrols help the host nation community by ensuring the surrounding area is secure and free from any suspicious activity or unexploded ordinance that may cause potential harm to the community or base. Not only do security forces members secure the installation, they also train the host nation military and interact with the community to ensure we maintain a good relationship."

Sergeant Wolfe, said he is honored to work alongside security forces defenders as the 386th ESFS first sergeant and appreciates the importance of honoring his brothers in arms during National Police Week, an observance that closes with National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15.

"I'm very appreciative knowing that law enforcement officers and defenders around our great nation were given a special day for remembrance," he said. "It's an honor to be able to serve next to the fine men and women who are our Air Force's Defenders, whose top priorities are to protect, secure and serve for the greater good. It is very fitting and humbling to take the time to honor all our guardians who answered this calling, whether they have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, have been disabled in the line of duty, and for all who have worn a badge, shield or beret past or present. Thank you for your service!"