RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Kaiserslautern Military Community law enforcement members gathered to commemorate and conclude National Police Week 2021 with a fallen soldier memorial ceremony, May 14, 2020.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated the week of May 15th as National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifice.
The KMC’s Police Week 2021 included many events such as a 24-hour ruck march, a 5K run, a fallen soldier memorial ceremony and a military police skill challenge.
“This week’s events were to honor our fallen military law enforcement personnel,” said Lt. Col. Phil Ferris, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron commander. “In addition to honoring the fallen, we used this time to train and hone our contingency skills.”
As the names of fallen military law enforcement personnel were read off during the memorial service, the KMC military police used the time to reflect on their service and the sacrifices of the Airmen before them.
“The events we conducted this week tested our Airmen’s physical and mental abilities, these skills are vital skills for the modern defender,” said Master Sgt. Erica McCaghren, 569th USFPS first sergeant. “I’m honored to have participated and walked in my Airmen’s shoes so I could appreciate what they do for us every day and what our fallen soldiers have done for us in the past.”
By Senior Airman Milton Hamilton, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published May 14, 2021
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron conduct a 21-gun salute during a National Police Week memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 14, 2021. The 21-gun salute is meant to honor fallen military law enforcement officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Milton Hamilton)
U.S. Air Force law enforcement personnel sit during a National Police Week memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 14, 2021. During the ceremony, U.S. Air Force law enforcement personnel spoke the names of their fallen Airmen and honored the current work of all military police. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Milton Hamilton)
U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence Wood, individual mobilization augmentee to U.S. Force Europe- Air Force Africa’s chief of security forces, speaks to law enforcement Airmen assigned to the Kaiserslautern Military Community during a National Police Week memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 14, 2021. The annual memorial ceremony is the capstone event meant to honor current and fallen military law enforcement officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Milton Hamilton)
U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Christian Rodriguez, 86th Security Forces Squadron Raven team member, runs at the Southside Fitness Center during the 24-hour ruck kick-starting National Police Week at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 10, 2021. Each year after the opening ceremony, a full day of rucking is completed to show respect for the fallen Defenders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Nothstine)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Cramer, 86th Security Forces Squadron Raven team leader, participates in the 24-hour ruck kick-starting National Police Week at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 10, 2021. Cramer dedicated his entire day to show respect for police officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty and for the members who wear the badge today. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Nothstine)
Jose J. Sanchez, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Defender Magazine, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Presidential Honor Guard, Bolling AFB, Washington DC, the 416th Security Police Squadron, Griffiss AFB, NY, and the 89th Security Forces Squadron, Andrews AFB, MD
