Take the time to thank a security forces member Published Jan. 26, 2010 By Col. John Sell 21st Medical Group commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- I don't know about you, but throughout my Air Force career I've taken one particular career field for granted. Whose you ask? It's our folks who work in security forces - the Air Force cop. You know, the group of folks who work the gate and patrol the base regardless of whether it's sunny and 75 degrees or blizzard conditions where the wind is howling and the thermometer reads minus 4. It's the same folks who get called in the wee hours of the morning when there is a domestic dispute, to guard our flight line, protect our distinguished visitors or escort our fallen. They're everywhere, and thank goodness they are! While you might subconsciously feel they are there to "catch you" doing something wrong, I would argue that their job is to keep us safe. They keep watch on our buildings and ensure our roads are free from impaired or dangerous drivers; they patrol our neighborhoods and watch out for our kids - all day, every day, 365 days a year. Their reward for what they do? They get to deploy at a one-to-one dwell. Six months deployed, six months home. In addition, another six months down range where they get to be outside the wire and stand watch to protect our assets in foreign lands, where the enemy is waiting and watching to breech the security they provide. A few months ago, I witnessed the perfect example of the professionalism you expect to see displayed by our defenders. It was about 6:15 a.m. when my chief and I drove up to the flight line, en route to Hanger 140 where we had a flu vaccination line set up in conjunction with the wing safety day. At the gate's entry was Tech. Sgt. Jeff Allen of the 21st Security Forces Squadron. As we approached, Sergeant Allen immediately got out of the patrol car, rendered a crisp, sharp salute, checked our credentials, completed a FOD check on the entire vehicle, directed us where we should drive, and asked if he could provide any further information. Now I have to tell you that not too many folks probably noticed that Sergeant Allen was there that day and I'm sure he really didn't care whether people noticed or not. His job is not one of fanfare and recognition but rather his job that day was to ensure the safety and security of that flight line - and he did it with utmost professionalism and dedication. There are many "Tech. Sgt. Jeff Allens" not only in this wing but throughout all of our Air Force bases. They are defenders, guardians and ever vigilant, keeping us safe and secure in a job not too many of us want - these are the men and women of our security forces. So the next time you pass through the gate, see them at the dining hall, or meet them at a wing function, take the time to thank them. Take the time to thank a cop.