Detailed Security: Master Sgt. Shane Sudman

Master Sgt. Shane M. Sudman, instructs Senior Airman Matthew McCulloch to roll the mirror more towards the center of a commercial truck during a vehicle inspection at the main gate of Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D., on June 2, 2014. As the superintendent of security forces for the 10th Space Warning Squadron, Sudman is in charge of security operations for the installation. Sudman reinforces the importance of attention to detail especially when base security is involved. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Warrior of the Week: Master Sgt. Shane M. Sudman

Master Sgt. Shane M. Sudman, 10th Space Warning Squadron superintendent of security forces, monitorst traffic approaching the main gate of Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D., on June 2, 2014. The 33-year-old from Nebraska City, Neb., was selected as the Warrior of the Week for Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., for the first week of June 2014. Sudman is eligible to be chosen as a Warrior of the Week because Grand Forks AFB supports the mission of the 10th SWS at Cavalier AFS by providing personnel and multi-media services among other resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Post Brief and Pleasantries

Entry controller Senior Airman Jennetta Howard and patrolman Senior Airman Matthew McCulloch exchanges pleasantries with Master Sgt. Shane M. Sudman, 10th Space Warning Squadron superintendent of security forces, after a post briefing at the main gate of Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D., on June 2, 2014. Sudman, a 14-year Air Force veteran from Nebraska City, Neb., uses casual conversations with subordinates during work shifts in order to learn more about the Airmen he leads and create opportunities for mentorship and personal development. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Warrior of the Week: Master Sgt. Shane M. Sudman

Published June 3, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

CAVALIER AIR FORCE STATION, N.D. --

Rank and name: Master Sgt. Shane M. Sudman

Unit: 10th Space Warning Squadron

Duty title: Superintendent, Security Forces

Time in service: 14 years, 11 months

Time on station: 4 months

Hometown: Nebraska City, Neb.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
Military service has always been a part of my family, and it helps me continue to feel connected with them even if they've passed on. Ultimately, it's the sense of being a part of something greater than yourself.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North/Spartan are you most proud of and why?
I feel the most pride seeing how much effort and work my unit puts forth on a day-to-day basis. The unit provides missile warning capabilities, while safeguarding our space assets; all of this while simultaneously managing an entire installation with less than 40 personnel.

What is your favorite part of your job?
The many different "hats" I wear here at Cavalier Air Force Station. I'm not just the superintendent of Security Forces. I'm also the installation anti-terrorism officer, the security manager and much more. Each member of 10th Space Warning Squadron from the bottom to the top has more than a single primary duty. Our squadron commander is also the installation commander; our squadron superintendent is also our first sergeant, etc. The experience gained here at Cavalier Air Force Station is astonishing.

Who inspires you and why?
My grandfather, who passed on May 16, 2011, inspires me. He lived the American dream. He grew up literally "dirt poor" during the Great Depression, helping his family work what was left of their farm during the dust bowl era. In a time when it was really uncommon he finished high school. He joined the Air Force in 1948 and served during the Korean War. After returning home from the service, he worked long hours as a heavy equipment operator, until he saved enough money to purchase his own equipment and start his own business.

What's the first thing that made you think Cavalier Air Force Station is a cool place other than the temperature or weather?
There's no other place like it in the Air Force. So few know Cavalier Air Force Station even exists. I'm from a rural part of the U.S., so a small installation in North Dakota was fairly appealing to me.