(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 Jason R. Painter, antiterrorism and force protection specialist, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Detachment 1, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
We asked him to tell us a little about himself and how he supports the Air Force Defenders mission.
What are your main responsibilities?
I’m responsible for implementation, oversight and centralized control of the coordinated anti-terrorism and force protection program for U. S. Space Force. I effectively plan, organize and direct high tempo branch activities for the field commands at six installations and 129 operating locations for USSF’s 34,000 Airmen across the globe.
What is the best thing about your job?
First, I’d have to say I’m absolutely blessed to be given this opportunity to perform this job. I love having the opportunity to help program managers build and maintain their installation antiterrorism programs as well as provide military and civilian personnel and their families the resources they need to reduce their vulnerabilities to terrorist, criminal and hostile acts.
As a child, what job did you want to have when you grew up?
As a child, I initially wanted to be an astronaut. Then when I saw the show “Cops,” I knew I wanted to become a police officer.
What made you pursue law enforcement as a career?
I loved the thought of helping and protecting people as well as the challenge of the profession.
What is your favorite part about being an Air Force security forces member?
I just love working and being around these incredible Defenders who exhibit Air Force core values day-in and day-out.
Why is your job important to the Air Force mission?
Because it ensures that the people who perform the mission can do so knowing they are protected from a terrorist attack or other hostile events.
What advice do you have for someone new to the SF career field?
Have patience. Not all assignments or duties are glamorous, but the incentives and rewards for working hard and dedicating yourself to the career field will be absolutely worth it; the opportunities are endless. A security forces Airman will see things and go places that no other career field could even dream of.
What or who motivates and inspires you the most?
My family and country motivates me most. But not to be outdone, the Airmen on the front lines that perform and support the mission motivate me as well. They are all my brothers and sisters and our country is nothing without them.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I have been extremely blessed to be a part of the U.S. Air Force Security Forces team, and I feel like I make a difference every day … a truly rewarding experience.