Altus Air Force Base News

 

Police week: recognizing our fallen defenders

  • Published
  • By Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Security Forces Squadron celebrated Peace Officers Memorial Day at the Wings of Freedom Park May 15, 2012 in honor of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Peace Officers Memorial Day started with reveille during which the 97th SFS raised the flag and performed a wreath-laying ceremony.

"This year is our first time performing the 'Guarding of the Wreath'," said Stanley Chisolm, 97th SFS superintendent of standardization evaluation. Two guards had to be posted at the wreath at all times throughout the duty day which was led by Senior Airman Sean Oberneir, 97th SFS patrolman.

"The flag was also flown at half-staff today in honor of the nation's fallen defenders," said Chief Master Sgt. Tamala L. Hartz, 97th SFS chief.

"After the retreat ceremony we will retire the wreath until next year," Hartz said.

A three-shot volley concluded Peace Officers Memorial Day.

"Every year, we [survivors and law enforcement officers] gather at the National Peace Officers Memorial at our Nation's Capital," Hartz said. "This year is significant to our career field because it is the first time one of our defenders was added to that wall." His name was Senior Airman Nicholas Alden, a 48th Security Forces Squadron patrolman.

"Though Senior Airman Alden was not from the 97th SFS, we are still brothers and we share that camaraderie," Hartz said. "There is a 'thin blue line' which ties all law enforcement agencies, regardless of where you work or what unit you're with--we all wear a badge or shield that identifies us as brothers."

"The 'thin blue line' extends everywhere," Hartz said.

In celebration of police week, the 97th SFS also planned a pistol competition to take place at the Altus police department range May 16, 2012.

"Law enforcers from all police departments in Altus and also military police from Fort Sill were invited to the shoot out," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Willoughby, 97th SFS NCO in charge of combat arms.

Other events scheduled to take place in honor of police week also include a golf tournament, an obstacle course, and the 'sheep dog shoot out' which will serve as the finale for police week.

"This is our week, our sacrifice, and a celebration of our profession," Hartz said.