(Editor's Note: National Police Week is May 9 -15. The week is set aside each year to honor all law enforcement officers – military and civilian – who have given their lives for our nation and their communities. In addition to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we wanted to use this month to recognize the work of security forces members within the Air Force Security Forces Center, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center headquarters and our detachments. Like Defenders who have gone before, they are paving the way for the next generation because of the work they are doing for installations to include funding, training and equipment.)
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Meet Master Sgt. William Bennett, protection services superintendent, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Detachment 6, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
We asked him to tell us a little bit about himself and what he does to support the Air Force Defender mission.
What are your main responsibilities?
I’m a direct conduit from Air Force Materiel Command security forces units to the Air Force Security Forces Center and headquarters AFIMSC.
What is the best thing about your job?
Helping other Defenders across the AFMC footprint by caring about their missions and helping them achieve their goals.
As a child, what job did you want to have when you grew up?
I never really had a “dream job.” I wanted to do something that would keep me busy while at work (I have always hated standing around and doing nothing) and would allow me time off to explore our beautiful country. Being a member of the Department of Air Force has allowed me to keep busy at work and see our country. I love serving our country. I also love seeing all the different parts of the United States and the world; places that I might not have seen if it was not for being in this great profession.
What made you pursue law enforcement as a career?
I was in school as a pre-law major because I have always enjoyed doing the right thing, and I like to follow the rules. I believe in doing what is right; putting service before self makes us all better. Moving into this career and finishing my degree in criminal justice was a natural path for me. Being a Defender, I get to do what is right, I get to place the needs of others before my own and I get to be part of a noble profession.
What is your favorite part about being an Air Force security forces member?
I had an Airman point out to me early on in my career that when they say the Airman’s Creed they would think of a security forces member. They would envision someone who is wearing battle armor, armed up and looking battle ready. Therefore, I would have to say my favorite part of being a Defender is truly embodying every line of the Airman’s Creed.
Why is your job important to the Air Force mission?
Security is one of the most basic needs. Defenders provide that security. Our sole focus is to ensure everyone else has the security they need to do their job.
What advice do you have for someone new to the security forces career field?
No matter what job you have, you never start off in the ideal role. You start off at the bottom and work your way up from there. Being a Defender is not much different than any other job. You will start with the small tasks that seem thankless, but when you master those tasks, you will move up. I also like to point out to new Defenders that one day they will look back at the jobs they currently dislike with a fondness, and most of their best stories will come from those roles.
What or who motivates and inspires you the most?
Focusing on the need of “the one” motivates and inspires me the most. It often gets overwhelming, looking at all the needs, wants and desires of every mission that I need to be doing. I enjoy taking time out of every day to focus on one person, one base or one single mission. I then like to see what I can do to make that one aspect better.
Is there anything you would like to add?
To the Defenders out there, take time throughout your day to interact with other Defenders you are blessed to come across. Try to better understand how you can serve them. Seek out opportunities to understand other people’s roles and how they fit into the Department of the Air Force mission.