Mansfield native defends Bagram Air Field

United States Air Forces Central
Story by Senior Airman Patrick McKenna

Date: 12.09.2011
Posted: 12.13.2011 07:54
News ID: 81281

BAGRAM AIR FIELD - Senior Airman Daniel Fournier 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 in the Connecticut Air National Guard and is assigned to the 103rd Security Forces Squadron on Bradley ANG Base. He is a native of Mansfield, Conn.

While deployed to Bagram, he serves as over watch in the towers that keep constant eyes on Bagram’s large perimeter. Fournier is responsible for watching for any suspicious activity, and being one of the first lines of defense in the event of a perimeter attack.

While on this deployment, Fournier’s wife, Angela, gave birth to their son, Hunter.

With the help of his squadron leadership, Fournier was able to experience that occasion first hand.

“I was able to make it home on emergency leave in time to be with my wife for Hunter’s birth,” Fournier said. “It was tough trying to help wife through it then have to come back here, but it was totally worth it.”

Fournier says he’s looking forward to going home, spending time with his wife and new son, doing some cooking, and showering in his own bathroom without flip flops.

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.