Police Week: CAFB to celebrate the ‘Year of the Defender’

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Keith Holcomb
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Paint splatters on targets as fully geared Airmen hustle to an objective, a military working dog rushes to a man in a green suit who isn’t complying to the beret wearing Airman, a final salute is raised and lowered as retreat plays over the ‘giant voice’ system across the Air Force installation.

The men and women who organize Police Week activities and participate in the many drills, events and retreat don’t do it for themselves, but for those who have served in the past, present and future.

Police Week, May 12-18, honors the heritage and history of military police. Every conflict defending the American way of life has a story of honorable defenders, who during their daily duties became extraordinary, not because they wanted to, but because it’s their job, explained Maj. Eric Eaton 14th Security Forces Squadron commander.

Staff Sgt. Terrance Jensen, was the first air policeman killed in action during the Vietnam War on July 1, 1965, while conducting post checks on his Airmen.

“Post checks are something we still do every day; in Iraq, Afghanistan, on Columbus Air Force Base; we need to remember those individuals who sacrificed and their deep connection with us today,” Eaton said.

Events that showcase Columbus AFB defenders and honor past defenders will be taking place throughout the week. The week’s events were organized by a majority of the NCO’s and Airmen of the 14th SFS, because as Eaton explained, officers aren’t the ones putting their skin in the race, it’s the Airmen at the gate or doing patrol. Those young Airmen and NCO’s deserve the recognition, he said.

One the events is a Fallen Defender Memorial at the Columbus Club at 2 p.m. May 15, which honor those who paved the way for the 14th SFS Airmen serving today.

Tech. Sgt. Stacy Powell, 14th SFS training NCO in charge stated, most of the events will be interactive. She listed the events, first with the ruck march, which is open to anyone and it will begin at the wing headquarters building at 8 a.m. May 13.

The’ Shoot, Move Communicate’ drill is a competition to see which team can go from start to finish, while clearing the field of targets. It will be held at 8 a.m. May 14 outside the 14th SFS warehouse building and will be open to anyone with a valid Common Access Card.

A K-9 team and red man demonstrations will take place at the Youth Center starting at 3:45 p.m. May 16 for families to see the importance of law enforcement and meet some of the Airmen keeping them safe every day.

“I think we are all grateful to be recognized during Police Week,” said Senior Airman Tyler Wise, 14th SFS patrolman. “It’s not every day we get recognition. It can be a thankless job sometimes.”