Being vigilant isn’t being nosy

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Erich Lofton
  • 82nd Mission Support Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Us old timers remember a time when all you needed to get on base was your vehicle pass...and threat condition (now FP CON) Alpha was a big deal.

Now we live in a world of 100 percent I.D. checks and aggressive security not only on base, but off base as well. Our children are growing up in a world where the word "terrorism" is mentioned on TV as much as Sponge Bob.

What may seem like harmless actions could be pieces of a larger puzzle that, without your action, could lead to mission interruption or a mass casualty incident.

I wanted to take a moment to describe an event that happened about two weeks ago. As you turn out the main gate going toward the airport and along the fence line of the base, I noticed an SUV with tinted windows driving slowly. As I was behind the vehicle, I saw only one person, the driver, in the vehicle, and he was talking. The vehicle moved over and allowed me to pass.

As I passed by, I could see a camcorder going and it was pointed towards the base in clear view of Wherry housing and the golf course. This seemed extremely odd, so I pulled over to confirm what I saw and to let the individual pass.

Now behind the vehicle once more, two more heads seem to pop up in the vehicle and the recording continued. I notified the law enforcement desk, which promptly sent a patrol out. I watched the vehicle proceed down Farm Road 890 (the road that runs behind the base).

I later met up with the security forces patrolman and described what I saw and the direction the vehicle was heading. Putting myself in the shoes of someone who would like to see what goes on here at Sheppard, I thought, "What would I do? Where would I go to gather information and how would I do it?"

Well if you don't know, there's a shooting range on the other side of the flight line with a great view of the base. The aircraft get so low, you can see the color of the pilot's helmet!

As for taking video, you can describe what you see as you see it for someone who has never been here. Well, after discussing this with the Office of Special Investigations the next day, it turned out to be nothing but a person out filming "the water after the storm."

You know, a lot of us don't want to be nosy. A lot of us may be in a hurry and think "whatever" or "it'll never happen here." Never say never.

Look at the 82nd Training Wing's mission. "Combat Capability Starts Here" is not a catch phrase to sell a cheap product. We train "from the ground up." Civil engineers ensure pilots have a runway to land on and we all have a place to live with basic life sustainment amenities.

Our Airmen are taught not only how to keep the aircraft flying, but they also learn to load and maintain the weaponry that gives our eagle its talons to keep this country safe.

We train those who care for their fellow Airman, Sailor, Marine and Soldier. For those in the medical field who hold the title of "medic," it is something not given away, but earned.

This place would be a pretty good target. If we are to fly, fight and win, it will take the vigilance of us all. And, if something looks like it may be a little "out of place," take the time for a second look. Report any suspicious activity to the law enforcement desk at 676-6302 or OSI at 676-1852.