11th Security Forces Group Defenders Support National Law Enforcement Memorial Candlelight Vigil

By Joseph L. Rector

On 13 May 2019, members of the 11th Security Forces Group and the National Capital Region – Maryland Chapter, represented the Air Force as part of the Honor Cordon for the arrival of the family members of those fallen police officers being memorialized. Master Sergeant Jeremy Graves, Master Sergeant Samuel Warren and Staff Sergeant Darius Jones-McGee participated as part of the honor cordon and Technical Sergeant Rachael Webb attended to document the Vigil. Two fallen Air Force Defenders were memorialized on the National Law Enforcement Memorial this year: Captain George E. Morris and SSgt Todd “TJ” Lobraico, Jr.

Captain Morris served as the Kirtland Air Force Base Provost Marshal. He was killed on the morning of 3 April 1956 when he responded to a flightline emergency. The right tire of a RB66 reconnaissance bomber, which had just landed, was on fire and suddenly exploded. Captain Morris was about 30 feet away and was hit and killed by debris from the wheel assembly.

Staff Sergeant Lobraico was killed on 5 September 2013 in Afghanistan. According to his Bronze Star with Valor Medal Citation, “Sergeant Lobraico volunteered to establish a listening and observation post eight miles outside the Bagram Airfield perimeter in order to deter enemy mortar and rocket attacks. Lobraico took the point position on the mission, scouting ahead and providing security for his fire team. While moving he discovered an insurgent force which was in the process of setting up to ambush his fire team with rocket propelled grenades, small arms, and an improvised explosive device. With total disregard for his own safety, he placed himself directly between his fire team and the insurgents who unleashed a hellish barrage of rocket, grenade, and small arms fire. Sergeant Lobraico took immediate and decisive actions while braving this intense enemy fire, and was mortally wounded while directing the maneuver of his fire team to covered positions from which they could effectively defend themselves and return fire on the enemy positions. His actions were instrumental in gaining fire superiority and the survival of his team."

While attending the Vigil, the 11 SFG team was able to link up with a large contingent from the 105th Base Defense Squadron from the New York Air National Guard to include Senior Master Sergeant Todd Lobraico, father of Staff Sergeant Todd Lobraico, Jr.

This Candlelight Vigil was the 31th year the event has been held to honor fallen law enforcement officers. Dedicated in 1991, the Law Enforcement Memorial now contains 21,910 names, 371 which were added this year. For more on the National Law Enforcement Fund and the Memorial, check out the website at https://nleomf.org/

 

From left to right: Technical Sergeant Rachel Ward, Master Sergeant Samuel Warren, Senior Master Sergeant Todd Lobraico father of Staff Sergeant Todd Lobraico, Jr., Master Sergeant Jeremy Graves and Staff Sergeant Darius Jones-McGee (Photo by Deputy Alejandra Warren, Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office) 

 

 

 

 


 

Staff Sergeant Darius Jones-McGee, Master Sergeant Samuel Warren and Master Sergeant Jeremy Graves march into position as part of the Honor Cordon. (Photo by Technical Sergeant Rachael Webb, 11th Security Forces Group)

 

 

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