JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – It’s Mission Monday. Meet Joseph Shaeffer, Mobility Equipment Branch chief with the Air Force Security Forces Center.
Shaeffer and his team are responsible for lifecycle management of centrally stored security forces mobility equipment and preparing and planning for global contingencies and conflicts to ensure the Department of the Air Force’s ability to defend its installation.
We asked the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, native to tell us more about himself and his work for the DAF.
What do you love about your job?
I love the idea that Americans can freely go about their “normal” lives as they wish and pursue their American dream because of the work we do behind the scenes. The mark of true success is when you do your job so well people never even realize the impact of what you accomplish on a continual basis.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
Defense of our country, our way of life and all the great things the Air Force and our Armed Forces have accomplished even before I joined.
Why are you and your team important to the Air Force and Space Force enterprise, and your customers?
The AFSFC is responsible for centrally storing all deployable equipment for over 43,000 Defenders to use and operate when deployed. We are the only source for deployable equipment … when we succeed, Defenders are as lethal as possible.
Describe a project or event you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment:
One of our most recent accomplishments was providing safety and security for refugees in New Mexico and New Jersey in support of Operation Allies Welcome ALLIES during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were able to provide equipment to maximize support for our new citizens while reducing risk to Defenders responsible for providing that safety and security.
How does what you do support AFIMSC’s strategic priorities?
Along with the deployable equipment, AFSFC logistics outfits Defenders with all their required go-to-post gear to include weapons, vests and helmets, continuing to make them as lethal as possible while ensuring they survive and thrive in any environment. We do this in a culture where we aspire to reflect former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown’s motto of Accelerate Change or Lose!
Is there anything else you’d like to add which might help people understand the importance of what you do for the DAF?
I would ask anyone who reads this to challenge themselves to give their all and do their best to ensure the stars and stripes is the flag we see when we travel this great country and remember we are part of the world’s greatest military and of course the greatest Air Force!