Edwards security forces NCO, San Antonio native, provides security for Southwest Asia base

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Staff Sgt. Genevie A. Navarro, a security forces craftsman with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, watches over a checkpoint at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia on Jan. 13. Navarro is one of more than 100 security forces who serve as the frontline defenders and provide the necessary force protection and security for the base. Navarro is deployed from the 95th Security Forces Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and her hometown is San Antonio.  

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01.16.2010

Courtesy Story

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- In any deployed environment where Air Force security forces are present, they serve as the frontline defenders and provide the necessary force protection and security for that installation.

For Staff Sgt. Genevie A. Navarro, a security forces craftsman and installation patrolman at a non-disclosed location in Southwest Asia with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, she takes her deployed duties very seriously.

"I work in the base's vehicle search area," said Navarro, a five year veteran of the Air Force deployed from 95th Security Forces Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. "I thoroughly search vehicles entering U.S. controlled areas from unsecure locations and prevent the introduction of illegal weapons, contraband and explosive devices. I also ensure the prevention of removal of classified material."

Navarro's said the importance of the vehicle search area, or VSA, is typical of security forces duties in a deployed location.

"It is very important -- we are the first line of defense at the VSA," said Navarro said. "Preventing illegal items and improvised explosive devices prevents the loss of life on the installation. Also, preventing classified material from being removed allows us to keep pressing with the mission in a secure manner."

A 2004 graduate of Highlands High School in her hometown of San Antonio, Navarro said she is proud she chose the Air Force as a career, especially as a security forces Airman.

"I love what I do," she said. "It has its days, but I can say that I wear my security forces badge with pride and honor. I am serving alongside some great people and keeping the tradition going for those who left their legacy and mark on our heritage."

The staff sergeant said it takes more than courage to serve in the military and to be deployed.

"It takes a commitment from your family and especially your young children to be brave with you and for you," Navarro said. "You have to be unselfish and faithful to make every day count."

Navarro's unit, the 380th ESFS, is part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The wing supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

See more at: http://www.380aew.afcent.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123184801

• Date Taken: 01.16.2010
• Date Posted: 01.16.2010 02:14
• Story ID: 43937
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)