Air Force Security Forces: A year in review highpoints

By, Major General Thomas Sherman, Mr. Timothy Gerald, Chief Master Sergeant Donald Gallagher
Air Force Security Forces
WASHINGTON

Defender Family,

2023 was a fast-paced year for our Defender Family. Strategic competition was the central context for the future of air and space power; the Department of the Air Force is doing more than ever  to optimize for the strategic environment we face with a unique focus on deterring aggression against the United States, our allies and partners, and our interests. The drumbeat of change, brought on by our pacing competitor, across the strategic environment is allowing the threat to advance more dynamically than ever. This complex and evolving environment requires a different approach to guarantee our national security and livelihood. Therefore, we must change the way we think, fight, and modernize key capabilities to maintain our effective edge. We recognize the risk if we do not adjust course to meet our future obligations for our department and joint force to protect, defend, and project air power around the world. Strategic competition was present in 2023 and it will be the context for 2024 air and space power.

Defenders answered the call in 2023, culminating in groundbreaking events such as Defender Flag and a refocused Defender Challenge. The hard work across the SF enterprise delivered results both in our base defense operations and in our ability to shape and influence the work being done for the Agile Combat Employment scheme of maneuver. These events helped to demonstrate that with the right mindset and focus, SF is a combat-capable and lethal expeditionary force relevant for 2024 and beyond.

Below are a few areas that show the elements we are prioritizing for success:

Soesterberg Reunions Planned

Two reunions for cops that ever served at Soesterberg Air Base as well as anyone else who worked with, or were friends with, cops who served at our base are being planned for 2024 … both will be held in May.

The Dayton, OH Reunion will be held 13-15 May 2024. The POC for that reunion is SSgt Arthur Tabachneck, aka:Dr. Arthur Tabachneck.

The other reunion will be held in Rapid City, SD 16-19 May 2024.

The Facebook groups are:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/252933801520409?sorting_setting=RECENT_ACTIVITY

and

https://www.facebook.com/groups/68751031667/?sorting_setting=RECENT_ACTIVITY

They are looking for any help they can get identifying and contacting troops who were stationed there. Unfortunately, not everyone uses Facebook and some have even totally avoided email.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT BRIEFING

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) is a United States federal law, enacted in 2004, that allows two classes of persons - the "qualified Law Enforcement officer" and the "qualified retired or separated Law Enforcement officer" - to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States Territories, regardless of state or local laws, with certain exceptions.

We are Defense Consulting Services, and we produce the LEOSA Credentials for the US Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard. We would love to give your chapter or group a presentation on the LEOSA Credential Process and assist your members with applying. We can conduct a ZOOM Meeting with your members at your convenience. Please let us know a good time.  Jeremy Toliver   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Air Force Mourns 5th CMSAF Passing

Published Jan. 17, 2024
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- 

Robert D. Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, passed away Jan. 17, at the age of 93.

Gaylor’s career spanned nearly 31 years, leaving a legacy of service, leadership and dedication.

"CMSAF Gaylor was a pillar of our Air Force,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “For more than 75 years, both in uniform and after he retired, he served our Airmen and the institution he loved so dearly. He will be deeply missed by all.”

Among his numerous achievements as CMSAF, he played a significant role in the creation of the Air Force’s new maternity uniform and pushed for a policy change allowing junior enlisted Airmen undergoing a permanent change of station to transport their families at the government’s expense. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Gaylor was selected as the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force on Aug. 1, 1977. In this role, he served as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the most senior noncommissioned officer in the Air Force. He represented the interests of enlisted Airmen at the highest levels of the service and played a key role in shaping Air Force policies.

Gaylor enlisted in the Air Force in 1948, at a time when the service was still in its infancy. He began his career in the security police, continued to serve in a variety of assignments, including in Korea, Japan and Vietnam. He also served as an instructor at the Second Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, assisted in reopening the then-Strategic Air Command NCO Academy, and established the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Command Management and Leadership Center.

Following his retirement in 1979, Gaylor never wavered in his commitment to the Air Force community, remaining actively involved with Airmen and their families through organizations, like the Air Force Memorial Foundation and the Air Force Sergeants Association. He continued to meet with Airmen for the remainder of his life, advocating tirelessly for the well-being and professional development of those who served.

Additional Note: Chief Gaylor was a Charter and Life Member of AFSFA and spoke at many of our National Meetings throughout our history. His common sense wisdom and infectious smile will be sorely missed. He last virtually addressed our National Meeting banquet in 2022 at Dayton, OH.