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Homeland security seminar focuses on real-world events

  • Published
  • By Armando Perez
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Air Education and Training Command celebrated 60 years of Air Force progress in Air, Space and Cyberspace with several events including an exhibit showcasing education and training-related services throughout the Air Force and seminar sessions during a symposium at the Henry B. Gonzalez Center at downtown San Antonio Sept. 5-7.

Among the seminar sessions held at the AETC Symposium was one focusing on Air Force contributions to homeland security. Lectured by Lt. Col. Bill Peterson and Bob Christensen of the Homeland Defense and Security Studies division at Air University, Maxwell AFB., Ala., the focus was on the contribution and elements of homeland defense, defense support of civil authorities and emergency preparedness.

Sandy Montez, an aircraft maintenance technician at Randolph AFB, attended the seminar to learn more about homeland security. "The session was very informative in how the Air Force operates during disasters and how homeland security has made air travel safer since 9/11," Ms. Montez said.

The lecturers used real-world operations during hurricanes Katrina and Rita and how the Air Force contributed to the civil authorities during such emergencies to illustrate the lessons.

Tech. Sgt. Kara Marwici, of Headquarters Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools commanders support staff at Maxwell AFB, was in Mobile, Ala., when the hurricanes hit the gulf coast. "This information would have been nice to know at the time when Katrina and Rita hit us and I can use this information with the anti-terrorism and building security programs I manage at Maxwell," Sergeant Marwici said.

The mission statement of the Homeland Defense and Homeland Security Studies simply relays their purpose: ... to help inform, enlighten and educate homeland defense and homeland security leaders and first responders on their responsibilities to the local, state and national community.

This seminar informed attendees on the disaster and crisis response of the Air Force and sister services. It also illuminated the value of military cooperation with civil authorities to accomplish safety and homeland defense operations.