News - Tag Defender

May 16, 2025
A legacy of service: Finding direction in uniform

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- When Chief Master Sgt. William Kelly stood as the reviewing official and guest speaker at his daughter’s Basic Military Training graduation, the moment represented more than just a proud father watching his child follow in his footsteps. It marked the
Feb. 26, 2025
Air Force Officer joins elite ranks of FBI National Academy graduates

Lt. Col. Jordan Criss, 341st Training Squadron commander, has graduated from the FBI National Academy’s 292nd session, a globally recognized program for law enforcement leaders.
Dec. 20, 2024
Beyond the badge: First civilian defender graduates ALS

Whitney Motley, 42nd Security Forces Squadron police officer, recently became the first security forces civilian to graduate from Airman Leadership School on Dec. 5, 2024.
Oct. 25, 2024
Mother of fallen Defender ‘marches on’ honoring son

In the sweltering summer heat, 31 Defenders trekked up the rigorous route for their graduation ruck. Sixty-five-year-old Jiffy Helton-Sarver marches near the front, carrying a guidon commemorating her fallen son, Security Forces Officer 1st Lt. Joseph Helton.
March 8, 2024
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Oct. 12, 2023
The dedication of Defenders, K-9 partners

It was a transformative moment in military history when the Army initiated training for its pioneering War Dog Program, commonly referred to as the "K-9 Corps." This groundbreaking development, according to American Humane Society, marked the inaugural inclusion of Military Working Dogs (MWD) within
Aug. 25, 2023
Reclaiming Freedom: The story of A1C Hamna Zafar

This is the story of Hamna Zafar, how she reclaimed her freedom and became a member of the United States Air Force.
Feb. 23, 2023
Chicago kid, Altus defender seizes opportunity for better life

From growing up in a dangerous and impoverished neighborhood in Chicago to becoming a U.S. Air Force Airman, Airman 1st Class Michael Mason, 97th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, understands the need to better oneself.
Oct. 5, 2022
Luke | Photos: 56th SFS Airman and his K-9 partner

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bryan Bolanos, 56th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, interacts with his MWD, Edo, Sept. 29, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Military working dogs perform a variety of tasks such as patrolling, detection and apprehensions. (U.S. Air Force
Jan. 24, 2022
Maxwell defender among first active-duty service members to graduate Veterans Affairs Law Enforcement Training Center

For the first time ever, active-duty Security Forces personnel had the opportunity to attend the Veterans Affairs Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.Tech Sgt. Robert Bolton, a 42nd Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, completed the program with seven other active-duty