Defender Nation/Friends,
It’s hard to believe, but after 39 years in uniform—spanning both the Army and the Air Force—it's finally time for me to hang up the boots, take off the beret and head into retirement. Looking back, this journey has been wilder and more rewarding than I ever could have imagined when I first raised my right hand.
My career took me from a fire team leader all the way to the puzzle palace at the Pentagon. But the Air Force portion of my journey started at my first duty station at Mountain Home AFB, ID with the 366th Security Forces Squadron. That assignment opened my eyes to the true scope and impact of this career field. More importantly, it led me to the most amazing person I have ever known: my incredible wife, Collette. Throughout this journey, she has sacrificed so much more than anyone could ever know. She has been my trusted counselor, my biggest cheerleader, and the person who always kept me grounded. This career wasn't just my service; it was ours, and I couldn't have done a fraction of it without her unwavering support by my side.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
For this upcoming National Meeting, there are four (4) ways that you can register.
1. MAGAZINE: Registration forms will be in the last seven pages of the Apr-Jun and Jul-Sep Security Forces Magazines. Copy or pull out these forms, fill out, and either mail completed forms to AFSFA HQ, PO Box 683, Helotes, TX 78023, or scan completed forms and email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
2. AFSFA WEBSITE: On this website, on the home page, there is a PDF file link below under the Events Calendar that will have all seven documents. Under member documents there is a tab for the 2026 National Meeting as well that has the seven-page registration packet as well (also HERE). Print and fill out the forms. Then, either mail completed forms to AFSFA HQ, PO Box 683, Helotes, TX 78023 or email completed forms to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
3. LINKS DIRECTLY TO REGISTER ELECTRONICALLY: Click on the links HERE for online registration. Once form completed, it will come directly to the AFSFA HQ office.
4. CALL: If you are having difficulty with any of the above, feel free to give us a call at the HQ office, 210-277-0448, and we can take your registration over the phone.
Regardless of which method you use to register, if paying by credit card, you MUST call the HQ office, 210-277-0448, to give your credit card information over the phone.
If sending in a check or the registration forms via mail, mail it to AFSFA HQ, PO Box 683, Helotes, TX 78023.
This National Meeting is going to be a memorable one, and we would love to have you join us!
Four USAF Defenders to be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2026 Police Week
Congratulations to these superb Project Managers and the Eagle Chapter for getting our Defenders recognized!!
These four Defenders came to our attention through unusual means - one via a Eagle Chapter board meeting. The other via Facebook. Although there were other Defenders who we are in the process of recognizing, the superior talents of the Defenders at their units will get these names on the wall.
As with every single NLEOM approval that we have, we are only successful if the project manager can embrace the need to recognize their fellow Defender.
Heartfelt thanks to the project managers at both bases:
Aviano AB, IT -- TSgt Jonny Conley, SrA Ellesabel Rooney and Capt Christopher L. Giles
Minot AB, ND -- 1Lt Curtis M. Covington
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has placed all these Airmen on their website with the high-level description of the event that led to their sacrifice. You can find all the USAF Defenders here: https://nleomf.org/?s=security+forces&id=58053&post_type=fallen-heroes
Sunday, March 29, marked the official birthday of our Defender Nation. For 83 years, Defenders have been the vanguard of our Air Force, ensuring the safety of our people and the precision of our missions. Last Monday, March 30, A4S had the honor of celebrating our heritage at the Security Forces Center at Lackland Air Force Base in the historic Security Forces Museum.
"As World War II progressed, Army Air Force military police and base security responsibilities expanded. This expansion led the Army to create a separate provost marshal’s office for the Air Forces. This was done on March 29, 1943, and Colonel H. G. Reynolds was named the Air Provost Marshal by General Arnold marking what the Air Force Security Forces celebrate as its birth date." (From: DRAFT Defenders of the Force: The History of the United States Air Force Security Forces 1947-2006” by James Lee Conrad and Jerry M. Bullock, pages 10-12)
Defender Leaders –
I am extremely proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the following squadrons as the 2025 Headquarters Air Force Security Forces Unit Award Winners. These units have demonstrated unwavering dedication, exceptional professionalism, and a relentless commitment to the Department of the Air Force and our mission. Their hard work inspires us all and sets a high standard for excellence...especially considering ongoing current operations.
AWARD WINNERS ARE LISTED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CATEGORIES:
Security Forces Large Unit of the Year Award
51st Security Forces Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea (PACAF)
Security Forces Medium Unit of the Year Award
354th Security Forces Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (PACAF)
Security Forces Small Unit of the Year Award
435th Security Forces Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany (USAFE)
Security Forces Air Reserve Component Unit of the Year Award
301st Security Forces Squadron, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas (AFRC)
Congrats Defenders…HUA!
V/R
~Defender 1
DAMIAN SCHLUSSEL, Colonel, USAF
Director of Security Forces (acting)
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