86th SFS commemorates fallen comrades

Security forces Airmen gave their respects during a final guard mount ceremony May 15 on national Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor peace officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The 86th Security Forces Squadron took time during National Police Week to increase public awareness and support for the law enforcement profession by commemorating the service and sacrifice of peace officers and providing information to help promote police safety.

The ceremony honored the 10 Air Force defenders lost since the war in Afghanistan began, said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Herrman, 86th SFS NCO in charge of flight operations.

Traditionally, guard mount is how information is communicated between incoming and outgoing shifts. The final guard mount is used to symbolize the final release of fallen security forces Airmen and Soldiers from their official duties.

“It is our way in the military to come together and pay tribute to our fallen defenders,” Herrman said. “As big as we are as a security forces unit, it is pretty impressive to see how close we are.”

To promote camaraderie and provide Kaiserslautern Military Community Center visitors a peek into the squadron’s capabilities, the 86th SFS also hosted a paintball tournament and barbecue on March 16, as well as displayed exhibits and demonstrated military working dogs, non-lethal weapons and air soft target shooting at booths on March 17.

“Police Week allows the regular populous of the base to see us in a different light,” said Senior Airman Sean Schmermund, 86th SFS police services assistant. “Normally, they would only come into contact with us when we have to write tickets or turn people around at the gates, but opportunities like these help us show how we protect everyone.”