Security guard, SFS keeps Sheppard safe, rounds up undocumented workers

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Security guard Michael Collins didn't think he did anything other than his job Jan. 25 at about 10:30 a.m. when something didn't sit right with him as subcontractors tried to get on Sheppard Air Force Base.

But his gut instinct and by-the-book procedures led to the apprehension of six undocumented workers - an aspect of his job that he said was routine.

"As a vehicle approaches the gate, we're required to check (identification) and work orders," said the military veteran and two-year employee of Computer Sciences Corporation, the company hired to assist with protecting Sheppard. "The work order and IDs were invalid."

Maj. Bill Lowery, 82nd Security Forces Squadron commander, said it was the largest single apprehension of the kind.

Two vans pulled up to the Missile Road gate and stopped to present IDs for the workers and two supervisors. Once Officer Collins noticed through various procedures the driver's licenses for six of the workers word invalid, he notified the law enforcement desk of the 82nd SFS to have other officers respond.

Security forces personnel then ran the licenses through the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. Once it was determined the licenses were invalid, security forces officers apprehended the undocumented workers and turned them over the Wichita Falls Police Department.

Major Lowery said standard procedure for subcontractors is to have a sponsor with the company or an escort arrange for employees to gain access to the base. Part of the process includes a criminal background check and, if needed, checking on the validity of passports and IDs.

"This is a testament to the training we provide our contract guards and active duty folks," the major said. "They did what they are trained to do."

The need for contract security guards is directly related to the high operations tempo of active duty security forces members; roughly a third is deployed or TDY in support of global operations.

"It is critical that we have the contract personnel," Major Lowery said. "They are truly professionals. Our relationship is second to none."

Dave Yonts, a civil service employee at the base's pass and registration office, said this was the second attempt in the past six months that an undocumented worker tried to get on Sheppard as an employee of a subcontractor.