JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – National Police Week, May 15-21, is a solemn occasion celebrated to honor the service and sacrifice of security and law enforcement officers, including those Defenders who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. As the largest career field in the Air Force, it’s the job of Security Forces to protect, defend and fight. They are responsible for missile security, defense of air bases around the globe, law enforcement on those bases, combat arms and the handling of military working dogs. This week, AFIMSC is commemorating the event by recognizing several of our teammates across the enterprise who support the Air Force Security Forces’ mission.
Meet Tech. Sgt. Yessiell Perez, Duty Officer and alternate Air Force Liaison, Air Force Security Forces Center, Det. 2, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The 12-year veteran believes that as a Defender, his work contributes to the greater good. “Working as a Security Forces member offers many personally rewarding moments, but knowing that what we do helps people is perhaps the most significant reward. That can be extremely fulfilling.”
How do you contribute to the lethality and readiness of the Air Force?
As Airmen, we contribute to the lethality and readiness of the Air Force every time we wear the uniform. I believe my most significant impact on Air Force readiness is my ability to care for people. We, as leaders, need to realize we lead humans, not the mission. The mission doesn’t have family, money, health or daycare issues. Our ability lies in realizing this and treating people like humans and not numbers. When people enjoy coming to work the mission gets done. This is my most significant contribution to the lethality and readiness of the Air Force and all the sister service members I have the pleasure of working with.
What has been your favorite, most successful or most rewarding project in your career with the Air Force, and why?
Military Working Dog bomb detection is my most rewarding job because it saves lives. Having an inexperienced MWD team get certified, watching teams bond and build trust, and develop a skillset that manifests into a capability that impacts lives across the globe – that satisfaction is beyond measure.
What motivates and inspires you the most?
This is simple: my family. My wife and son are the reason I put on the uniform every day. It serves no purpose to neglect my family in pursuit of rank if, in that pursuit, I lose them along the way.