MAXWELL AIR FORCE, Ala. — In recognition of National Police Week, Maxwell Air Force Base hosted two events to honor fallen law enforcement personnel: a Memorial Ruck and an Excellence in Competition Shooting Competition held May 12th and 16th.
In solemn tribute to fallen defenders and special agents, 60 service members and guests gathered early Monday morning for the Police Week Memorial Ruck, commemorating law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The observance began with a formal reading of the names of Air Force Security Forces and OSI personnel who have died in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.
As each name was spoken on the list it served as a reminder of the cost of service and the enduring legacy of those who gave everything in defense of their country.
“This week is not just about honoring the badge,” said Tech Sgt. Matthew Keel, 42nd Security Force Squadron combat arms instructor. “It’s about remembering the lives behind it, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who answered the call.”
Following the reading, Lt. Gen. Andrea Tullos, Commander and President of Air University, delivered remarks emphasizing unity, sacrifice, and resolve.
“We’re all pulling on the same blue line,” Tullos said. “They don’t know what today might bring, but they will be ready and if asked, they’ll answer the call.”
Despite light rain, participants stepped off on a 4.2-mile Memorial Ruck, symbolizing the daily burdens defenders carry and honoring those who no longer walk beside them.
On May 16, the week’s observances continued with the EIC Shooting Competition, hosted by the 42nd Security Forces Squadron at the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range. The event gave service members the opportunity to earn marksmanship recognition and compete for a medal in expert shooting.
Each shooter had 30 rounds to demonstrate precision and control, showcasing core combat skills. The competition was open to all active-duty, Guard, and Reserve U.S. Air Force personnel.
“Law Enforcement units and departments across the nation plan events and activities throughout the week to not only memorialize the fallen, but to strengthen community relations as well,” said Ashley Clapp, 42nd SFS investigator. “Police Week allows people in the community to interact with their local Law Enforcement Officers in a way they normally don’t get the chance to.”
Clapp co-led this year’s National Police Week event with Tech. Sgt. Jimerson, 42nd SFS flight sergeant.
“The week’s events were supported by a planning team including Staff Sgts. Brian Ridley, Elijah Cruz, Sydnie Colbert, and Rex Harris,” said Clapp. “We could not have done it without them.”
Police Week was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, it is observed annually to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Fallen Security Forces Airmen remembered:
Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson
Staff Sgt. Brian Mcelroy
Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton
Airman 1st Class Leebernard E. Chavis
Staff Sgt. John T. Self
Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan
Staff Sgt. Travis L. Griffin
First Lt. Joseph D. Helton
Senior Airman Nicholas Alden
Staff SGT. Todd “TJ” Lobraico
Airman 1st Class Kacey E. Ruiz
Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain
Tech. SGT. Joseph G. Lemm
Staff SGT. Louis M. Bonacasa
Senior Airman Jason Khai Phan
Fallen OSI Agents remembered:
Special agent Adrianna M. Vorderbruggen
Special Agent Michael A. Cinco
Special Agent Chester J. Mcbride
Master Sgt. Tara R. Brown
Special Agent Nathan Schuldheiss
Special Agent David Wieger
Special Agent Matthew Joseph Kuglics
Special Agent Ryan Andrew Balmer
Special Agent Daniel J. Kuhlmeier
Special Agent Rick A. Ulbright
Special Agent Raymond R. Round
- Published
- By Senior Airman Tanner
- 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
