Subscribe
JOINT BASE LINDSEY GRAHAM, S.C. - With a heart of dedication and motivation, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vivianna Rios, 628th Security Forces alarm monitor, aims high to ensure the Lowcountry community at the Naval Weapons Station is protected and supported.
Before joining the military, Rios had prior experience in law enforcement through volunteering at the Los Angeles Police Department. This is where she found the inspiration to dedicate her life to helping others through service to her country.
“There were a couple of LAPD officers who were retired from the Air Force and they decided to help me out on this little journey of mine,” Rios said.
As a woman of many firsts – first-generation American, first in her family to join law enforcement, first to graduate from college – Rios decided to also be the first in her family to join the military. Specifically, Security Forces.
“I chose to be a law enforcement officer because I’ve always had the same saying: I've always wanted to be the person to be there for you on your worst day,” Rios said.
Her dedication is showcased through her voluntary additional duty as a Spanish translator who de-escalates situations when necessary.
“I am equipped with my training and with my language advantage to be able to handle any situation, whether it goes perfectly or whether it goes the wrong way,” she said. “My job is to de-escalate.”
With a job that protects the installation, assets and families on the Naval Weapons Station, Rios mitigates situations and translates when necessary to ensure a calm resolution for all parties involved.
“Our job here is to protect the installation, protect the assets, and protect the people and their families,” said Rios. “We're there to protect them, and then if anything happens, we're there to respond. We stay ready at all times.”
Rios crafts her skillset outside of work and ensures her readiness by bolstering her ability to protect people both physically and emotionally outside of her official job duties through jiu-jitsu and volunteering as a key spouse liaison.
“If there are concerns that are not being addressed, then we're going to address them,” Rios noted as she explained how she communicates with a network of base locals to ensure the emotional support of base residents.
Rios continuously takes the opportunity to sharpen her skills as a tactical warrior who integrates her bilingual capabilities to keep the peace and ensure base safety.
“It’s really nice to be a part of something so big, and it's been the best decision I've ever made so far,” Rios said.
With the motivation to serve and support the next generation of champions, Rios now continues her journey as a Defender.
This time, as a staff sergeant select who will cultivate and defend the next generation of Airmen, ensuring the safety and success of others - one step at a time.
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2026 15:22 |
| Story ID: | 573815 |
| Location: | CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Defender Heart of dedication and motivation, by A1C Nahaku Takahashi, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
