9/13/2011 - NEW YORK (AFNS) – After more than two months and 2,100 miles of marching, a flight of security forces Airmen completed the Security Forces 9/11 Ruck March to Remember here Sept. 11. The last leg of their march began at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and ended at Battery Park, where 2,796 flags covered the area to honor each person who died on 9/11.

More than 300 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen from 23 units took turns marching from the Security Forces Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, on July 12 to New York, handing off a guidon at each leg to honor the security forces members and Americans who died on 9/11 and in the ensuing wars.

“We’ve marched the last two months to remember our fallen, to honor the sacrifices of our defenders and their families … whose lives changed forever with ours,” said Col. Alan Metzler, the chief of security forces at Air Combat Command. “We marched to remember this new generation of Americans who fought this new enemy in this new war.”

The Airmen battled against summer heat, hurricanes, torrential rain, sore feet and tired backs, they said, but it was the overwhelming support from people throughout their march that gave them the strength to persevere.

“Every time you felt like you were getting beat down and you couldn’t do it anymore, someone drove by and honked or someone came by and shook our hands,” said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Broughman, the NCO in charge of training at the 4th Security Forces Squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. “We were hosted every night; we actually had to turn meals away because we didn’t have enough time to eat them all. Everyone wanted to give us free food, and everyone wanted to let us stay with them for the night. It was really overwhelming.”

Whether it was a simple honk by a passing driver or a caring veteran offering their home for the night, one thing rang clear about American’s support for the Airmen who participated in the march.

“They never forgot,” Broughman said. “We just wanted the awareness that we’re still doing this; that we’re still deployed. We gave them an outlet so they could say thank you, but no one forgot.”

One such person was Barry Schneider, who saw the Airmen marching in New Jersey and stopped to thank them for their service.

“It means everything to me; it touches my heart as an American,” he said. “I’ve always felt bad because I never served my country, but because of what they do, I can stand here now. I’m holding back tears.”

As the flight of Airmen marched through Washington Heights to Times Square Sept. 10, they were met with cheers, salutes and a police escort. One of the New York police officers who escorted the security forces members was Sgt. Marc Sommers, who is an Air Force Reserve security forces master sergeant assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, N. Y.

“(The Ruck March) means a lot to me,” he said. “I was there that day, and I lost a good friend, Jerome Dominguez.”

Dominguez was also an Air Force Reserve security forces member and New York police officer. He died on 9/11 while attempting to rescue people from the World Trade Center.

“It was devastating (when Dominguez died) because he was our heart and soul,” Sommers said. “It’s a great honor (to provide the escort) because it’s what Jerome would have wanted, too. He would have wanted to take the escort because of the type of guy he was, and we have a legacy that we like to carry on in his honor. He was always service before self. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone.”

During the march, the Airmen laid wreaths at the site of where United Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Pa., at the Pentagon and at Battery Park — just a few blocks away from where the World Trade Center once stood.

While the march was met with overwhelming support from the security forces community, the important thing to remember is that the Airmen who stayed behind made sure their home missions kept going, Broughman said.

“To be able to put this together and continue to keep the mission going, speaks to the versatility of the security forces career field,” Broughman said. “No one missed a deployment; there were no mission stoppages at home because of it. There were bases that had major inspections two days before they started their portion of the march.”

The ruck march first began in November 2010 with an idea between Broughman and Maj. Jim Alves, also from the 4th SFS.

“At first, it was kind of overwhelming because we didn’t think there was a way we could get it done,” Broughman said. “But we broke down the route into 15 legs, and at the first of the year, we sent (a message) out to the units asking if they would be interested in participating. Their response was an overwhelming, ‘Yes.’”

From there, Broughman sent routes to each unit’s lead point of contact, and they made minor alterations to make it easier for them, he said.

One of the leads was Master Sgt. Chris Wright, the operations superintendent at the 87th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. He led 25 other security forces Airmen from Hazelton, Pa., to Times Square and marched more than 70 miles himself through their four-day march.

“I put myself in a happy place when I really started hurting,” he said. “You really have to find that thing that you’re doing it for, which is those people and their families. I thought about the people who passed away and really about their families.”

Each Airman who took part in the march had his or her own reason for marching, said Staff Sgt. Lawrence Aiello, assigned to the 108th Contingency Response Group at JB McGuire.

“I did it for everything that happened on 9/11 and for my kids to show them that they know Dad’s out there doing his part for his country,” he said.

Their mission ended with a simple, “Dismissed,” as Alves released his flight at Battery Park, but before they left, he told them the significance of what they accomplished.

“You will march off knowing you have become a part of history — history of security forces, history of the Air Force, history of the military and history of the United States,” he said.

— Originally posted at: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123271761

Photo named "Eric_Perry"

photo entitled "Mark_uniform

Great photo’s of Air Force Elite Guard are becoming rarer as the years go by however these photos are from the web with no information.  If you know their origins, please contact us.

NOTE: We are posting these merely for the historic value and had to make the decision to post despite the fact they are likely covered by copyright.

photo from Military Photos.net

Ground Launch Cruise Missiles (GLCM) were deployed in 1983 as a response to Soviet truck and trains loaded with SS-20 ballistic missiles.  GLCM deployed 16 nuclear missiles per mission and utilized large trucks to support launch, and mobility of nuclear resources.  The purpose was that mobile nuclear missiles were much harder for an enemy to find and target.  This posed a large threat to the USSR.  In the US Strategy, this also meant an ability to place weapons close to its enemy.

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The GLCM program threatened and terrified the Soviet Union by altering the way United States missiles were targeted.  GLCM involved an ever mobile Nuclear Missile threat that traveled around the European theatre.  What the Russians saw was a severe, insurmountable threat that seemed more as a “First Strike” weapon.  A weapon this close to it’s target lessened the identification time that a country needs to determine if a missile has been fired at them and what they need to do retaliate, thus negating the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction.

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During the program there were 464 GLCM’s in use across Europe, and deployed out of six Main Operating Bases (MOB).  The six MOB’s were (1) Greenham Common in the United Kingdom,  (2) Comiso in Italy, (3) Florennes in Belgium, (4) Wueschheim in Germany, (5) Wonensdrecht in the Netherlands, and (6) Molesworth, also in the United Kingdom.

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The Soviet Union protested the GLCM presence, and for good reason.  We had parked and traveled Nuclear weapons less than 10 minutes away from their country.  The Missiles could travel up to 1,500 miles at around 550 miles per hour. From GLCM tracks in England, much of the Soviet Union, including Moscow, was within range.  The Intermediate range Nuclear Force, or INF, Treaty was signed in 1988, which ended the GLCM program. Although it ended, there can be no doubt that it was a true strategic success in bringing the Soviets back to the nuclear bargaining table.

When the Americans used technicals

The missile itself was the derivative of the US Navy’s Tomahawk program. Tomahawks were simply adapted to fire from a new land-based platform.  Practically all of the changes were internal and involved updating and re-writing the software that would make this missile work from its new launch vehicle. The launch vehicle was designed with an erector that would hydraulically point the missile skyward.  The vehicles themselves traveled with the full compliment to travel a route, provide its own security, food, communications, and launch its payload if necessary.

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Security Police assigned to GLCM units wore tabs on their shoulders identifying them as members. The tab was a point of pride for most and as the GLCM Program was terminated as was the tab although it would be seen into the 1990’s.

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EXCERPT: From the book Defensor Fortis

by Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

12/6/2010 - LAJES FIELD, Azores (AFNS) – A Lajes Field

Staff Sgt. Curtis Locke and his K-9, Devil, deployed to Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 15, 2010, through 22, 2010, to help provide the presidential jet with a specialized detection capability for Air Force One at the G40 summit. Sergeant Locke is assigned to the 65th Security Forces Squadron. (Courtesy photo)

Airman and his security forces detection dog were tasked as part of the security detail that provided support for President Barack Obama and Air Force One at the G40 summit Nov. 19 through 20 in Lisbon, Portugal.

After conducting a host of training together at Lajes Field, Azores, Staff Sgt. Curtis Locke, a 65th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, and his K-9, whose name is Devil, deployed to Lisbon to help provide the presidential jet with a specialized detection capability.

After arriving in Lisbon and getting situated, Sergeant Locke received a briefing that highlighted their mission objectives.

“Devil’s detection skill was used to sweep fuel trucks, government vehicles and to provide support for anything that would come in proximity to the president and Air Force One,” Sergeant Locke said. “We swept all luggages for all personnel getting back on the aircraft before it took off, and we also swept all transportation from the hotel to Air Force One.”

Sergeant Locke said he was responsible for making sure Devil performed, because the mission was a top priority.

“My job was to provide that detection capability for anything coming in,” he said. “Though the regular security forces members were there to provide rear security to make sure no unauthorized persons came near the aircraft, I was there to provide anytime detection for any type of mission-essential equipment needed to get on the aircraft to accomplish the mission before departure.”

Sergeant Locke credits his training here with preparing him and Devil for the mission.

“We prepared very well for this (mission), because this is one of our missions here at Lajes (Field),” Sergeant Locke said. “We provided obstacle course and detection training to keep us proficient, because proficiency is a must. Our goal was to make sure that these dogs are going to perform their best when it comes to the protection of these dignitaries or personnel.”

Since Lajes Field is a transition point for aircraft and personnel, Sergeant Locke has experiencef supporting dignitaries.

“I have done many of this type of (high-level visibility) detail; this is not the first one,” he said. “I have provided security for presidents and vice presidents in the past, and (the) secretary of State.”

Sergeant Locke said he enjoys being here and loves being a military working dog handler.

“That is why I joined (the Air Force),” the sergeant said. “The training we put into it paid off. It allows us to take these missions and recognize Lajes (Field) and the United States Air Force. We made a big impact (at the summit) and put a footprint that will allow the presidential team to say ‘we’re going to call Lajes (Field) again and again’ for this type of mission.”

Air Force One is perhaps the most valuable and important aircraft that has ever been (I guess besides the Wright Flyer).  It carries enough equipment to keep the government running if the need were to arise.  It looks great from any angle that you see it.  The communications suite is so powerful that it could direct nuclear strikes if required to do so.

Air Force One is secured by the standard suite of Security Forces and DoD Police When on the ground and Secret Service and Security Forces and everyone else collectively when the President is on board.  Amongst the greatest sight is the two security troops at the bottom of the stairs when the President is boarding or exiting.  Regardless of who the President is, its always good seeing the badge on those uniforms.

— Thanx for visiting Defensor Fortis at www.defensorfortis.info.

Great Picture… And should remind you that if you get a dog stuck on your arm, your odds of shaking it off are not good.

— Thanx for visiting Defensor Fortis at www.defensorfortis.info.

— Thanx for visiting Defensor Fortis at www.defensorfortis.info.

Security Police and Forces have ALWAYS provided that security.

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— Thanx for visiting Defensor Fortis at www.defensorfortis.info.

Chief Master Sgt. David Provo and Lt. Col. Theodore Ruminsky case the 506th ESFS squadron guidon for the final time during a transfer of authority ceremony May 28, 2010, at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq. Members of the 506th ESFS transferred base security to the Army 1st Special Troops Battalion. In addition to the transfer of authority, the 506th ESFS was officially inactivated. Chief Provo is the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron chief enlisted manager. Colonel Ruminsky is the 506th ESFS commander. (U.S. Air Force photo)

by Master Sgt. Martie Moore
506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

6/1/2010 - KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNS) – Members of the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here transferred authority for base security to Soldiers from the 1st Special Troops Battalion during a ceremony here May 28. In addition to the transfer of authority, the 506th ESFS was officially inactivated.

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506th ESFS Airmen ensured the overall security of more than 7,000 personnel and 1.5 billion dollars of coalition forces assets. During this deployment rotation the squadron consisted of more than 300 active, Guard and Reserve Airmen from 36 different military installations.

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“It’s a testament to their skill, training and professionalism that you can take elements from separate units, put them together, and they hit the ground as one cohesive unit – remarkable,” said Lt. Col. Theodore Ruminsky, the 506th ESFS commander.

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During the ceremony Colonel Ruminsky highlighted some of the countless accomplishments of his squadron.

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“We have provided positive entry control and screening for more than 16,000 vehicles. Ensuring positive entry control is a team effort. Security is a team sport,” Colonel Ruminsky said. “The 16,000 vehicles do not include the dozens, sometimes hundreds, of U.S. and coalition force vehicles that are checked in and out of the base, every day. This unit developed and oversaw the construction of a new personnel screening facility which increased manpower efficiency and security of the base and we implemented biometric identification and enrollment capabilities to the screening process, greatly enhancing base security.”

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As Kirkuk Regional Air Base transitions through the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq, the special troops battalion will assume the additional responsibility for base defense. Army Col. Patricia Sellers, from the 1st Special Troops Battalion, Ready First Combat Team said she appreciated the continued teamwork through this time of change.

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“Their expertise and professionalism is world-class,” Colonel Sellers said. “The 506th (Airmen here) been protecting and serving the base for many years.”

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The 506th ESFS is the first Air Force unit to fully withdraw from Kirkuk Regional Air Base since the build-up of forces began April 23, 2003, nearly one month after Operation Iraqi Freedom started.

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“To the Army and the new security team, we wish you quiet nights and peaceful days, and to the men and women of the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, thank you for your service. Thank you for your support. Outstanding work, defenders,” Colonel Ruminsky said.

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FOR THE ORIGINAL STORY, VISIT:   http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123207091

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This was posted 100 percent without permission.  The photo resides on the original site’s server (we are linking to the photo from the eyesonbangkok site).  I will remove it if contacted.

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— Thanx for visiting Defensor Fortis at www.defensorfortis.info.

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