BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Airman 1st Class Sheldon Williams is currently deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan and is a member of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.
Back in the states, he is a member of the Florida Air National Guard and is assigned to the 125th Security Forces Squadron in Jacksonville. He is a native of Gainesville, Fla.
While deployed to Bagram, he serves in the watch towers that keep constant watch over Bagram’s large perimeter. Williams is responsible for watching for any suspicious activity, and being one of the first lines of defense in the event of a perimeter attack.
What he misses most about home is spending time with his son and new daughter, as well as his siblings back in Florida.
“It’s tough being away from home, especially with the birth of my daughter, but I understand the important mission here,” Williams said. “I’m doing this for my country.”
When he gets home, Williams says he wants to get back to one of his favorite hobbies, working on cars, and then take a long vacation with his young family.
The 455 ESFS is responsible for the security on Bagram Air Field and the more than 30,000 service members and civilians that are assigned here.
They stand watch in dozens of guard towers, check the credentials of thousands of local civilians gaining access each day, and protect one of the busiest flightlines in the world. These airmen work with civilians, service members from other branches of the military, as well as international partners like South Korean military police to defend Bagram Air Field 24 hours a day.