Keesler NCO, North Reading native, supervises security forces patrols for Southwest Asia base

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Staff Sgt. Matthew James, security forces journeyman assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, watches over the flightline at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia on Dec. 30, 2009. The 380th ESFS and the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. James is deployed from the 81st Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and his hometown is North Reading, Mass.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

01.29.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- He's thousands of miles away from his hometown in North Reading, Mass., but a little more than nine years after living there Staff Sgt. Matthew James says he's proud to be doing his work as a security forces craftsman while deployed.

"This is why I joined the Air Force," said James, who serves as a patrolman and a patrol area supervisor for the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. "When you serve in the military, you know you can be deployed at any time and I'm more than proud to serve while deployed here in Southwest Asia."

In the 380th AEW, there are millions of dollars of Air Force aircraft that have to be protected on the flightline. James said the planes, whether that's a KC-10 or different airframe, are integral to the deployed mission.

"Every day I see planes flying off for their missions, that's a sign to me that I've been doing my job keeping them safe and secure," said James, who is deployed from the 81st Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

A typical day at work for James, who is a 2000 graduate of North Reading High School in his hometown, includes wearing the latest in "battle rattle." This can include the latest in protective armor and combat-ready gear. Additionally, he'll carry a loaded M-4 rifle, and possibly and M-9 pistol, in carrying out his deployed duties.

James also coordinates his assigned security patrols with other security forces Airmen in his unit. Each day, he said, brings something new but it is all part of keeping the encampment and U.S. controlled areas of the 380th AEW and its people, safe.

"After nearly nine and a half years of working in my career field, there has always been one thing that has remained constant at deployed Air Force bases - security forces are there to protect them," James said. "Without security forces in a deployed location, there would be no security and nobody else would be able to do their mission. I'm glad we are here providing that front-line defense for our deployed warfighters."

James said he will continue to do whatever is needed to successfully complete his deployed duties. When it's time to go home, he said he knows his fellow security forces will continue to provide the best protection and security they can.

"I am proud to serve in the Air Force and security forces," James said. "Every time I am serving out in the deployed theater of operations, it reminds me of how important it is what we all do in the military and how glad I am to do my part to make a difference."

The 380th AEW is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The wing supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

• Date Taken: 01.29.2010
• Date Posted: 01.29.2010 23:12
• Story ID: 44622
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)