Global Guardians: 917 SFS provides protection in AOR

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sherri Savant
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  Defenders of the force. It’s their motto, the words they live by. Fourteen members of the 917th Security Forces Squadron are putting this into practice right now.They share their mission and their thoughts…so far. 

Master Sgt. Brad Grimmett
Ali Al Salem, Kuwait
As Force Protection/Antiterrorism Officer at the Kuwait City International Airport, Sergeant Grimmett’s job is to protect all personnel there from terrorist threats. 

Fixing what is broken, that is what Sergeant Grimmett finds most rewarding at his deployed location. “The previous administration looked at this deployment as a vacation,” he said. “I look at it as I am here to do an important job, and as long as everyone goes home without incident, then I have done my job.” 

In his 50 or so days of being there, he has gone to other Air Force bases and Army camps around Kuwait. He is currently waiting on a class to get qualified to do fly-away missions, provide security, in Iraq. 

Sergeant Grimmett’s morale remains high. “I am doing wonderful,” he said. “All is well in Kuwait. I could use some Shockers (sweet candy) though…just kidding.” 

“Take care everyone. I will.” 

Staff Sgt. Jason Hadley
Manas AB, Kyrgyzstan
Morale also remains high among the 13 917 SFS troops deployed to Manas AB, Kyrgyzstan. 

The job is “very rewarding” for Sergeant Hadley on a personal level as well. As second in command, he supervises 12 NCOs and Airmen. His efforts there have already paid off, as he awaits the results of his being nominated for Wing NCO of the Month. 

The job is much of what the troops expected—flight line patrols, guarding entry-control points, internal and external security, armory duty, pass and identification, and duty at the visitor control center. 

The climate, however is a bit different, according to Staff Sgt. Jason Hadley, 917 SFS craftsman. “I thought it would be desert like, but it’s not. It’s not much different than say, Tennessee.” 

Adventures after duty-hours take them to Bishkak (capital) for shopping trips and horseback riding. They’ve also gotten to hike some waterfalls and hot springs, go trout fishing and visit historical sights and museums. 

Nearly two months into their tour, Sergeant Hadley said they “still have a long way to go,” but promises to keep in touch.