LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
As the C-130 soared through the middle-eastern sky, soft whimpers from a military working dog could be heard as he lay next to six caskets on their way home.
For Staff Sgt Kelly Eaton, 633rd Security Forces Squadron Krav Maga training instructor, this sight was something he will never forget.
"My unit flew home with six guys who didn't make it," said Eaton. "I can remember my dog just looking up at me with such confusion; I knew he felt that they were there, but couldn't understand."
For numerous Service members like Eaton, memories of fallen comrades are constant reminders of the sacrifices to protect our country and communities. During the week of May 13-17, the 633rd SFS paid homage to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which the date falls under to be known as Police Week. The week honors those in the law enforcement field who died while defending others.
For Langley Defenders, Police Week has great significance.
"I am extremely proud to be a part of this squadron, along with all the events for national Police Week," said Tech. Sgt. Jorge Davila, 633rd SFS trainer, who organized the week's events at Langley. "We come together with outside law enforcement agencies as one big family."
During Langley's Police Week, members of the 633rd SFS paid respect through events such as the Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony, a golf tournament, a K-9 gear and equipment demonstration, and a motorcycle ride.
For Davila, the success of the week's events carried a deeper meaning.
"This year's events went well due to the hard work of the security forces members," said Davila. "Seeing everyone come together to honor all of those who have fallen in the line of duty makes me proud to be a part of it."
For Eaton, volunteering for Police Week did not feel like work. As he stood outside in the sweltering sun during the equipment demonstration, sweat trickling down the temples of his face, he remembered why he chose to be a part of one of the Air Force's most challenging career fields as a security forces member.
After serving five separate deployments, Eaton has experienced events that have left a lasting impression on him. While at a forward operating base in the Middle East, a fellow Airman went out on a routine patrol, sweeping the area ensuring it was clear for convoy work. Suddenly the unit came under fire.
"We expected him back by a certain time, but six hours later we learned that he had been flown into the forward operating base on a helicopter," said Eaton. "He had taken a bullet straight to the chest."
Luckily the Airman had been hit directly in the breast plate of his vest, not fatally harming him.
"He's still with us, but the entire event hit really close to home," said Eaton. "It could've happened to any of us. We are all a really close-knit family, and being [deployed] over there really puts it in perspective."
Eaton paused to clear his throat, continuing to speak about the career field that he enjoys so much and feels honored being a part of.
"Police week is all about honoring everyone who has done this job before us," said Eaton. "I greatly appreciate the men and women who have paved the way for us, especially those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty."