Security Forces deploys to Lackland AFB

  • Published
  • By Lisa Macias
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. --   As South Florida was preparing for yet another Hurricane, Airmen from Homestead Air Reserve Base’s Security Forces were gearing up to deploy to Lackland AFB, TX to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The twenty-man team, led by Sr. MSgt Eddie Hodgson departed HARB on September 21, to Lackland; and, will then proceed to Kelly AFB in San Antonio for a period of sixty days.
Set up with tents, portable showers, and mobile kitchens, the decommissioned Kelly AFB is temporarily housing Hurricane Katrina evacuees from Mississippi and Louisiana. The security forces team from HARB will provide law enforcement support to include patrolling and keeping the peace. “These people have already been traumatized and lost homes,” explained Master Sgt Ed Frank, shift supervisor. “They shouldn’t have to deal with issues of crime as well.”
Even before Katrina made landfall, many of the reservists at HARB’s security forces were prepared and ready to assist if called. “We immediately had a list of volunteers willing to help out in any which way, from handing out meals ready to eat, to patrolling,” said Master Sgt Frank.
Faced with the decision to cancel the deployment as Hurricane Rita approached Florida, SFS instead dispatched a smaller team. “In security forces, our deployments do not get moved back, instead they are often pushed forward,” stated Lt Col Larkin, HARB SFS commander.