JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
To celebrate National Police Week, Joint Base Langley-Eustis hosted a variety of events from May 9-15 to recognize the contributions and dedication of law enforcement as well as to honor fellow defenders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The week kicked off with an opening ceremony and a Military Working Dog event showcasing the capabilities of security forces’ four-legged defenders.
On Wednesday, the 633rd SFS Combat Arms Training and Maintenance instructors hosted a shooting and defenders challenge. The event consisted of four-person teams competing at five different stations. Events included weapons assembly and disassembly and a litter carry contest for the best time and tactical proficiency.
Police Week events culminated with an early morning ruck memorializing fallen teammates. The defenders ended their march at Memorial Park, and gathered for a closing ceremony with a poem entitled “Volunteers” written and performed by Tech. Sgt. Jermaine James; 633 SFS Bravo Flight flight sergeant:
“These are the moments when time seems to stop,
When the ink on my pad forces itself to become reality, watch -
Different sand, same box, different jails, but the same locks.
We defend the freedoms of other countries, so justice can be free.
E-one, two and three, four to nine; Officers alike we’re all one of a kind.
Not defined, but refined by our actions; driven by our brothers and sisters passions.
Bravery, loyalty and the selfless, the defender that restores hope to the helpless.
Willing to sacrifice all so you rest easy at night; covered by the blanket of security so jets can take flight.
Red, white and blue we bleed this; future America’s leaders.
See, the freedoms that as civilians tend to neglect, we can all say here we pay those same freedom’s respect.
So, we raised our hands and went where no one dared; places of pain, loss, friends, war and despair.
And above all we endure blood, sweat and tears, but it’s okay because we’re all volunteers.”
The poem ended to spirited applause from the crowd as James turned the mic over to Lt. Col Lidia Iyassu, 633d Security Forces Commander for closing remarks:
“The only thing I ask of you guys, is that you take the rest of this year to remember the [fallen.] Every challenge that you face throughout the day, throughout the year; think of those guys,” Iyassu said, “Push it extra. When it comes to training, work a little bit harder, because I bet you if they were all here they would want to do that. Consider them as supervisors…Give it your all, give it your best, in respect of them.”