Defending through the holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
CAVALIER AIR FORCE STATION, N.D. --   Working through the holidays and being away from family; not the ideal situation for anyone, but the Security Forces personnel here feel the duty is no more than simply serving their country as best as possible.

"I wouldn't say there's a sense of satisfaction being the ones to work through Christmas, but someone has to continue the ongoing mission and we are part of that," said Senior Airman Alex Kumpula, 319th Security Forces Squadron Cavalier base defense operations center controller.

The defenders at Cavalier AFS work in rotating teams, leaving from Grand Forks AFB and returning when their rotation is up.

Though the team currently manning Cavalier's security points will be away from family during the holiday season, it is not the only holiday they will work through. Security Forces at Cavalier AFS work 365 days a year leaving no room for security breaches on their watch.

"Our mission year-round is to protect the world's most capable phased-array radar system inside and out," said Kumpula. "Our ([Internal Security Response Team] continually patrols the building on alert for any suspicious activities."

Members of the 319th SFS at Cavalier AFS also work to support not one, but two Major Commands at the same time: Air Mobility Command and Air Force Space Command.
It gives the Airmen a sense of enthusiasm and entrustment, said Kumpula, to be given the duty of guarding two MAJCOMS.

The Defenders at Cavalier AFS conduct many duties; from directing and dispatching personnel, to physically guarding the base.

"The 10th Space Warning Squadron at Cavalier Air Force Station is one of the hidden gems in the Air Force," said Master Sgt. John Young, the superintendent of Security Forces at CAFS. "In the fifteen months I have been assigned here, I have found the Defenders of the 319th Security Forces Squadron to be an integral part of our mission."

Young explained that the mission couldn't be completed if it were not for the personal sacrifice of each of those Defenders and their family.

"To them, I offer my deepest appreciation," Young said.