99th SFS honors fallen wingmen during National Police Week

Photo By Staff Sgt. Joshua Kleinholz | Lt. Col. Joseph Ringer, 99th Security Forces Squadron commander, leads his formation in recognition of Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson during the National Police Week 10K memorial ruck march at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., May 13, 2015. Jacobson, a security forces Airman who was killed performing convoy security in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was honored along with other fallen members of the law enforcement community at the numerous stops made by the formation along their route.  

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NV, UNITED STATES

05.21.2015

Story by Airman 1st Class Monet Villacorte 

Nellis Air Force Base

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – Every year during the week of May 15, local law enforcement agencies and military police around the United States come together to remember the lives of members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The 99th Security Forces Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, came together to remember fallen security forces Airmen May 11-15.

"(National Police Week is) an opportunity for us recognize those who have given their lives in the line of duty and to let the base know that we will never forget their sacrifice," said Lt. Col. Joseph Ringer, 99th SFS commander. "The fact that we pause and recognize our fallen heroes reaffirms our commitment to our chosen profession and enables us to draw strength from otherwise tragic events."

Nellis AFB participated in honoring the fallen members by hosting activities such as a prayer breakfast and 10K ruck march.

"We have a few activities for the end of the month as well (such as) a Warrior Challenge, where we will have a bunch of obstacles and stations for people to be challenged," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Schaaf, 99th SFS security forces manager. "It might appear to seem fun, but it's also to remember how hard we train, and it gives others a chance to understand how hard it is to be a law enforcement officer."

Not only did members of the 99th SFS participate in events on base, but also off base as well, linking up with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to remember their fallen members.

"The 99th SFS participated in the torch run (covering) a four-mile portion of the route near Creech AFB," said Ringer. "We received the baton from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's (LVMPD) Narcotics Division and the DEA and then handed it to the LVMPD Gangs Unit four miles later. Earlier that day, Chief Schaaf and I ran with LVMPD leadership downtown and observed their memorial ceremony for their fallen at the Police Memorial Park."

Schaaf explained that although the event brings awareness and encourages others to honor and remember the members that have given their lives to protect and serve, it's still a hard reality to face when a family member or friend loses their life.

"I've been in the military 23 years and I've done 23 (National Police Week events), and I've only seen it get better," said Schaaf. "But what saddens me is we still keep (losing) officers, both military and civilian. It is a part of the job, but it's still hard for everyone to accept and we do our best to support those families of the fallen."

• Date Taken: 05.21.2015
• Date Posted: 05.21.2015 14:23
• Story ID: 164092
• Location: NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NV, US