From Service to Security: A Mission of Leadership and Legacy
Eric Kready, CPP
Director, Professional Certification Board ASIS International

Public service is more than a career—it is a calling. It demands integrity, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding others. Yet, every chapter of service must one day come to a close, whether by personal choice or institutional transition. What comes next is not just a career move; it is a transformation—one that requires foresight, preparation, and the right support.

For many military and law enforcement professionals, the civilian security sector offers a natural and meaningful second career. However, successfully navigating this transition is not automatic; it demands strategy, adaptability, and an understanding of how to translate years of dedicated service into civilian opportunities. The steps taken today—securing the right resources, building professional networks, and refining one’s approach—will shape tomorrow’s success.

“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.”
— General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Defenders,

Please join me in congratulating our newest Colonel Selects!

This year, the DAF selected 13 from our ranks for promotion to Colonel:

Col(S) John-Paul Adrian

Col(S) Nicholas Brence

Col(S) Patrick Gordon

Col(S) George Hern

Col(S) Christopher Jackson

Col(S) Matthew Kowalski

Col(S) Min Lee

Col(S) Matthew McGinnis

Col(S) Scott Patton

Col(S) Brian Rutt

Col(S) Brett Skates

Col(S) Gilbert Wyche

Col(S) Kyle Yates

The Air Force and Defender Nation has already benefited from these officers, and we look forward to them continuing to lead in more senior roles!

To all our selects, please take a moment to thank your families on my behalf. They have certainly put in more than their fair share of long hours and made sacrifices to walk this path with you!

Congratulations to you all and continue to lead well!

Best,
Brig Gen Filler

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country Honored During 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

(Article is from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund webpage https://nleomf.org/)

The names of 345 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty to be honored and officially added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 2, 2025)  – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has formally announced that there are 345 names of U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2025. The names will be engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the month of April and properly dedicated during the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall between 4th and 7th streets in Washington, DC, at 8:00 pm on May 13, 2025.

The 2025 “Roll Call of Heroes” features the names of official Line-of-Duty Fallen Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. This includes 148 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers who died in the line-of-duty in 2024, along with previous years where cases have been approved by NLEOMF’s research department. The total number of line-of-duty deaths in 2024 represents a 25% increase in officer deaths compared to 2023.

After thorough research and approval by the names committee, 197 officers who died in previous years – before 2024 – will also have their names inscribed this year. Their sacrifice is now being recognized after the Memorial Fund’s research staff confirmed the circumstances of their death and their record of law enforcement service.

“As we gather once more to honor our fallen officers, we’re reminded not only of the lives they gave, but of the unwavering devotion that led them to serve,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their courage and selflessness continue to guide us—they embody the very spirit of law enforcement. This solemn moment is a time to grieve, to remember, and to ensure that we carry their legacy forward with gratitude and purpose.”

Each May 13th, during National Police Week, an estimated 30,000 people attend the Candlelight Vigil ceremony in Washington, D.C., including surviving family members, friends, law enforcement colleagues, and others. The event brings people together from across the country to honor the officers and be surrounded by strength in remembering their service and ultimate sacrifice.

With these additions, there will now be 24,412 officers’ names engraved on the Memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and campus and military police agencies.

 (Editor’s Note: The below link will allow you to watch the entire recorded vigil. Brig Gen Brian Filler appears at 1:38:08 to read the names of the 11 Defenders whose names were added to the memorial. Also see the cover of the Apr-Jun 2025 Security Forces Magazine and article on page 16 for the pictures and back story from the Eagle Chapter.)           https://youtu.be/5ALpizgnNz8

324th Training Squadron Dedicates Training Complex to Fallen Airman
By Logan Steele, 37th Training Wing Public Affairs, 8 April 2025

Defenders from the 324th Training Squadron and the 802nd Security Forces Squadron stand at a memorial to honor Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson April 4, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Jacobson was the first Defender killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 324th Training Squadron complex was dedicated with a memorial in her honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas  – 

The 324th Training Squadron held a remembrance ceremony and building dedication in honor of Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson at Joint base San Antonio-Lackland on April 4.

The ceremony and dedication memorialized Jacobson by officially renaming the 324th Training Squadron Complex to the Jacobson Training Complex and culminated in the unveiling of a plaque dedicating the building to her and her legacy. Jacobson’s family was in attendance.

“There’s no more important building to dedicate to a fallen Airman than a training complex here at Basic Military Training,” said Lt. Col. Charles Dieterle, 324th TRS commander, during the ceremony. “This is a foundational place where all Airmen learn about the Air Force.” 

Jacobson was a security forces Airman who answered the call of duty in 2003 and started her career as a trainee in the 324th TRS. On Sept. 28, at the age of 21, Jacobson was killed by an
improvised explosive device while providing security on a convoy in Iraq. She was the first security forces Airman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lt. Col. Robert Chance, commander of the 343rd Training Squadron and Chief Master Sgt. Wes Lawrence, Senior Enlisted Leader of the 343rd Training Squadron present a gift to the family of Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson, April 4, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Jacobson was the first Defender killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 324th Training Squadron complex was dedicated in her honor with a memorial. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)

The ceremony focused on Jacobson’s legacy and impact at the 324th TRS. Her story continues to be part of the identity and culture of the training squadron, being taught to every trainee that is assigned there, serving as a shining example of the qualities that all Airmen should strive for.

“Elizabeth’s legacy continues to inspire and remind us of what values she embodied,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Jackson-Foster, 324th TRS senior enlisted leader, during her remarks, “Her discipline, dedication, and grit serves as a beacon of strength and honor for all of us to follow.”

Jacobson's awards and decorations included the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal.