FEATURES
A SALUTE TO OUR ARMED FORCES
TRANSFORMING LIVES AND DEFENDING FREEDOM By Capt. Erin A. Ranaweera, U.S. Air Force
emorial Day is one set aside to honor those who have sacrificed in America’s Armed Forces and reflect on their legacy and sacrifices in service to this great country. Throughout generations the military has always been a tight-knit community. And for those who serve in America’s Air Force, it’s a second family united by a desire to protect our families, communities and nation. Air Force recruiters in the heart of New York City, at Times Square, provide an opportunity for young people to continue this heritage and legacy of service. Tech. Sgt. Patrick Allen and Master Sgt. Adrian Poke are two Air Force recruiters helping transform the lives of young New Yorkers. Their passion for the Air Force is illustrated by their dedication to provide opportunities for young men and women and welcome them to the Air Force family. As TSgt Allen said, “Being a recruiter has been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, not only do I get to hand pick our future enlisted leaders, but I also get to help change lives.”
A LUCKY TICKET
Last year, Allen met with Lilia Franco, a young woman with a degree in Criminal Justice. Although bright and hardworking, she couldn’t find employment that utilized her degree. After months of searching for a job in her field of study, she became a ticket usher at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Franco wanted a change and that’s when she looked to the Air Force for opportunity. Franco approached her recruiter Allen about serving in either Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice fields. She wanted a challenge, something that would push her to her absolute limits. Allen recalls, “We spoke about some different career fields but the one she was enthused about was Security Forces.” Security Forces is a modern version of Military Police but the mission is much more verbose. These Defenders as they are called, have the task of guarding our gates, patrolling our bases, and training our Airmen to use firearms, just to name a few. Security Forces also has special positions such as K-9 which uses military working dogs, Quick Response Force (QRF) which is similar to a local police SWAT team and, finally, the coveted Raven Teams who fly aboard military aircraft and tasked with the safety and security of our aircraft and supplies. 54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MAY 2018
Lilia Franco