(Editor's Note: National Police Week is May 9 -15. The week is set aside each year to honor all law enforcement officers – military and civilian – who have given their lives for our nation and their communities. In addition to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we wanted to use this month to recognize the work of security forces members within the Air Force Security Forces Center, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center headquarters and our detachments. Like Defenders who have gone before, they are paving the way for the next generation because of the work they are doing for installations to include funding, training and equipment.)
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Meet Staff Sgt. Allouweishes Exzavion Jamal Dodd, a command locksmith with the Air Force Security Forces Center’s Detachment 2 at Naval Consolidated Brigade Miramar, San Diego, California.
We asked him to tell us a little bit about himself and what he does to support the Air Force Defender mission.
What are your main responsibilities?
I maintain inventory of keys within the brigade facility, fixing doors and locks, and perform National Crime Information Center checks of prisoners and staff members.
What is the best thing about your job?
That we can be stationed almost anywhere, and the fact that we are apart from the Air Force sometimes feeling as we are our own entity.
As a child, what job did you want to have when you grew up?
I wanted to be a graphic designer and truck driver.
What made you pursue law enforcement as a career?
I was unsure of what career I wanted to pursue in the Air Force, but I was tired of waiting and took someone’s spot in the delayed enlistment program who was tasked for security forces.
Why is your job important to the Air Force mission?
My career field is at every Air Force base because security is a requirement. We are responsible for safeguarding multimillion dollar assets and the lives of individuals living on these installations and working on them as well.
What advice do you have for someone new to the security forces career field?
Do not let people’s opinions and experiences determine your mindset when you first join and get to your duty station. Develop thick skin and always take care of yourself. Make sure you always have outlets and various ways of relieving stress.
What or who motivates and inspires you the most?
My mother motivates me the most. She always reminds me frequently that she is proud of me and tells me that I can accomplish anything in life.