Team Osan honors defenders past, present

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley J. Thum
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 51st Security Forces Squadron hosted a variety of events to commemorate this year's Police Week, May 12 to 16.

The week is an annual tradition for all Air Force installations and for police departments across the U.S.

Although this year's observance at Osan featured recreational activities like a home run derby and "cops and robbers" 5k, the underlying tone was a sober one.

"Police Week is all about remembering our fallen law enforcement officers, defenders and OSI (Office of Special Investigation) agents - military and civilian," said Master Sgt. Steven Fletcher, 51st SFS operations NCO in charge. "It dates back to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day."

Great emphasis was also placed on the bond between defenders and OSI agents, illustrated throughout the week as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder in formations and completed a four-mile ruck march together with other Airmen from across the base.

Having never participated in a ruck march before, Airman 1st Class Angel Colon, 51st SFS entry controller, said encouragement from others helped him focus on his goal of honoring families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

"I knew it was going to be tough, but I kept hearing 'put your heart in it' and 'keep going' and I did a lot better than I thought I would," Colon said. "Teamwork is critical."

The week ended with a retreat ceremony where the names of 120 fallen defenders were read and Airmen shared a moment of silence with Republic of Korea air force air police and Korean National Police.

Lt. Col. Christopher Church, OSI 5th Field Investigations Squadron commander, said Police Week should be a reminder not to take anything for granted as any day could be someone's last.

"There's no rhyme or reason to war," Church said. "Everyone here is willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice if called upon to do so."

Click here to view the complete slideshow of Police Week photos.