Safety, security through the holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Throughout the holiday season, most Airmen take time off to go home and spend some time with their family, friends and loved ones.

However, there are plenty of Airmen who spend their holiday season together. These are the firefighters, security forces Airmen and several others who work around the clock to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday.

"This year my shift will be the lucky one to work the holidays," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alan Justice, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron station chief. "It takes some time to get used to, but when someone calls 911, they expect someone to be there."

Justice and his crew work 48-hour rotating shifts, meaning they worked Dec. 24 and 25.

"The guys here realize working on the holiday is part of the job and know they need to be ready in case they are needed," said Justice. "We have the benefit, though, of being so close with our guys, so spending this time together makes it that much easier."

The Fire Department helps to ensure the base is safe, which is a major priority during the holiday season. Security also remains a high priority, so the 23rd Security Forces Squadron is business as usual as well.

"Our mission is to defend the base any time of the year, which means working the holidays and weekends," said Master Sgt. Murdock, 23rd SFS flight chief. "A lot of our Airmen are new and this will be their first time working on the holidays. It's hard but the morale of this flight is so great and I know our guys will push through and make sure the mission is accomplished."

During this holiday season, the firefighters and security forces members are waiting for the call they hope they won't get. But if they do, they will be on their way to save the day.