Security Forces Airman Missing While Swimming Body is Found

The body of Elijah Posana was found by his father on the beach on Tuesday, 4 May 2021.

Elijah Posana, a United States Air Force airman, was swimming approximately 100-feet from shore on Surfside Beach near Freeport, Texas when someone reported seeing him being pulled by a rip current. 

"My two younger siblings, they are younger than 15, and they are not very good swimmers. They were both drowning,” Elijah's cousin Ethan Posana said.

Ethan swam over and Elijah turned back to join him. Together they pushed the younger kids to safety.

Ethan said Elijah wasn’t in the rip current at that time.

"He wasn’t in no rip current yet. He came back to help,” he said.

Relatives said Elijah was a good swimmer.

“When we were in the rip tide, everyone else was panicking except Elijah.  He said, ‘To get out of a rip current, don’t swim forward, you have to swim to the sides,’” Ethan said.

Moments later, the Memorial High School graduate vanished. The 22-year-old military Security Forces member was on leave from the 509^th Security Forces Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, MO.

The United States Coast Guard has decided to suspend the search for a man who was last seen swimming at Surfside Beach on Sunday after searching over 100 square miles. "The decision to suspend a search is always an extremely difficult one to make," said Capt. Jason Smith, Sector Houston-Galveston commanding officer. "Every time we run a search and rescue case, we think of the missing as our own and in this case, the missing is a fellow service member which definitely weighs heavily on our hearts. Our deepest condolences go out to the Airman's family and friends."

CSAF Memo to Airmen: Leadership Library
By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, 22 March, 2021, Arlington, VA

In lieu of a traditional reading list, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. presents a new Leadership Library including his recommendations for books, podcasts and documentaries. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Corey Parrish and Travis Burcham)

Airmen,

Today I am launching the CSAF Leadership Library. This is a new way of looking at the traditional reading list – a fluid set of media that I have personally explored – that changes and evolves as novel ideas are published, recorded, and debated. 

I am an avid reader and consumer of information, constantly looking for ways to broaden my perspectives and develop myself as a leader. As a learning leader, I’m in constant search for a range of ideas and perspectives that force me to think more broadly and provide me an opportunity to engage in deeper conversations with regards to leadership and world events. I also work to remain both physically and mentally fit with daily workouts and periods of reflection. I combine my morning workouts with thought-provoking podcasts that I often discuss with my staff.  That is why you will see podcasts and other non-traditional media included in my Leadership Library. 

Like many of you, I spend every day learning. As a leader, I am still learning, even as your 22nd Chief of Staff. I listen to podcasts and constantly read about leadership – I hope you do as well. The Leadership Library is not static and will have periodic additions as I come across media and ideas I’d like to share to generate dialogue. My aim is that this Leadership Library sparks conversations for you with fellow Airmen, with your family, and with your friends.

Part of the reason the United States Air Force is the best in the world is our thirst for knowledge and the way we challenge and question the status quo – no matter what package it comes in. President Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable from each other.” Think deeply about the ideas presented in this Leadership Library, challenge preconceived notions, and find ways to build a better Air Force for today’s Airmen and for those who will follow us. As always, I’m proud to serve alongside you.

Sincerely,

CHARLES Q. BROWN, JR.
General, U.S. Air Force
Chief of Staff

Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips

Cautionary Tales: Season 1, Ep. 6: How Britain Invented, Then Ignored, Blitzkrieg  

The Playbook: A Coach's Rules for Life Netflix Original Series

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

75th SFS MWD Handlers Honor War Dog Heroes
By Cynthia Griggs, 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs, 19 March 2021

Community members pet retired contract working dog Mazzie, who sits in front of the Vietnam Veterans War Dog Memorial, which was modeled after him, during the dedication ceremony 13 March 2021 in Layton, Utah. The monument honors U.S. military dogs that didn't return after serving in war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs)

LAYTON, Utah – Defenders and military working dogs from the 75th Security Forces Squadron at Hill Air Force Base gathered with the community on K-9 Veterans Day, March 13, to dedicate a Vietnam Veterans War Dog Memorial at Layton Commons Park.

The monument which honors U.S. military dogs that didn’t return after serving in war is located near park’s Vietnam War Memorial Wall, which honors the nearly 60,000 American men and women who died in the conflict.

According to the U.S. War Dogs Association, during the Vietnam War, 4,900 war dogs served, with only 204 returning home to the United States. Of the nearly 4,700 who remained in Vietnam, only 350 died in combat; the rest were just abandoned by the country they served as they were considered military equipment at that time.

The War Dog Memorial also has plaque stating if it weren’t for war dog heroes, another 10,000 names might have been added to the Vietnam War Memorial Wall.

Jim and Linda Crismer, members of the Northern Utah chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, raised funds for the War Dog memorial project. Crismers' adopted military dog, Mazzie, who worked as a MWD in Kuwait, was the model for Salt Lake City artist, Lena Toritch, who sculpted the memorial.

“I feel the K-9 Memorial is an instrumental reminder to the community and region of the value that is and has been placed to the work of Military Working Dogs and their handlers,” said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Wiggins, 75th SFS non-commissioned officer in charge of MWD section.

“For decades, we have built exceptional bonds with K-9s to execute difficult and unimaginable missions that have saved countless lives,” he said. “Today was an opportunity to take a moment with our community and share the trust and faith we all have in our K-9 partners.”

The dedication ceremony was attended by law enforcement and other working K-9 teams from the community and featured two Vietnam War K-9 handlers who spoke about their experiences with the war and their bonds with their K-9s. The ceremony also featured a blessing of the K-9s before the monument unveiling.

“To see so many of our fellow K-9 handlers from across the region also attend was amazing,” said Wiggins. “We work and train with some of these other handlers and this was the first time we were able to take a break from training to just listen to the stories of past and present handlers and truly recognize our four legged partners for their duty and sacrifice.”

Security Forces Vol III History Book Chapter Competition

Which Chapter Will Submit the Most Bios Winning a Defensor Fortis or AFSFA Flag?

Regional Directors and Chapter Chairs,

Due to the continued interest in the Air Force Security Forces history, the Air Force Security Forces Association and MT Publishing Company joined together to publish a third edition history book. The goal was to publish it in 2020. The intent was to have over 300 biographies of former and current Defenders in the book. Unfortunately, we are over 200 biographies short of that goal.

We have decided to hold a competition among the chapters to get us to our goal of 300. The competition period runs from 15 February to 30 September 2021.

The competition is based on the total number of biographies submitted by the chapter during that period and do NOT have to come from AFSFA members. Anyone who is or has ever been Air Police, Security Police or Security Forces can submit a biography. Those serving today at nearby units can be a great source of biographies. To compete though, the chapter must submit a minimum of 25 biographies. Individuals must indicate which chapter they are supporting for the competition.

Individuals can submit their biography and two (2) pictures by mail or electronically although electronic versions are preferred. There is absolutely no cost to submit a biography and two (2) pictures as long as the biography is 150 words or less. Biographies may be submitted without photographs and should be typed double-spaced on plain white paper or submitted electronically in a Word document. Typically biographies include name, rank, duties and duty locations, service dates, awards and medals received, and for retired or separated what you are doing today. Biographies over the 150 word limit cost 15 cents per word for each additional word. A check needs to accompany biographies over the 150 word limit. Ideally, the two pictures will include one picture early in the service period and a recent picture. Photocopies pictures cannot be used and all digital photos must be scanned at 300 dpi for submission. Low resolution photos cannot be used for the book and do NOT embed photos into the Word document.

For those physically mailing materials and wish to have them returned, ensure they write their name, address and phone number on the back of all material submitted and send it to: AFSFA, PO Box 683, Helotes, TX 78023-9998. You may also submit your biography via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. If you have questions about scanning or submitting digital files, please contact us at 210-277-0448. In submitting photos, please include a caption on the back of the photo with the date and an explanation of who or what is depicted. A book order is not required to submit material for inclusion in the publication.

https://www.afsfaonline.com/index.php/guardmount-news/241-air-force-security-forces-history-book-vol-iii

So, the big question is, what does the winning chapter get? The winning chapter will win their choice of an AFSFA flag or the Defensor Fortis flag, which they can proudly display at chapter events.

Good luck in the competition chapters!
Respectfully,
Joseph Rector
AFSFA Vice President