Airmail: Insult to guards accidental

  • Published
  • By Col. Robert E. Suminsby Jr.
  • 377th Air Base Wing Commander
Q. The Aug. 10 Nucleus newspaper contained an Airmail article titled "What can be done about high music volume in cars?" Buried in the middle of the article was a statement unrelated to the main point that I feel was an insult to our gate guards and uncalled for.

A. The statement regarding security officers at the gates "just collecting a paycheck" was a personal opinion and should have been removed prior to publication, unfortunately it was overlooked. I apologize that it was not removed.

I would like to recap some of the outstanding work our entry controllers have accomplished. They have kept us safe by dealing with approximately 30,000 to 35,000 vehicles entering the installation daily, detained 53 people for driving under the influence, five unauthorized weapons, 100 vehicles with expired registration or no insurance, 18 drug arrest, 32 people for wants and warrants and nine undocumented citizens.

Although our CSC guards may not be wearing the Air Force uniform every day, many of them are prior active duty servicemembers, and many continue to serve as members of the Guard and Reserve.

I am very proud of the professionalism and dedication of our security officers who watch over us on our perimeter, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.