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Defenders host local youth police cadets

  • Published
  • By Jeffrey Basaldua
  • 799th Security Forces Squadron
LAS VEGAS, Nev. --  The 799th Security Forces Squadron frequently interact with local law enforcement agencies in an effort to reach out to local communities and build partnerships with civilian neighbors.

On July 29, the 799th Security Forces Squadron and 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron continued these outreach efforts by hosting Lt. Harry M. DuBray, Las Vegas Paiute Police, and the Las Vegas Paiute Police Youth Cadets for a day at Creech Air Force Base. Cadets in the program range from age 11 to 20 years old and all are interested in pursuing a career in public service, either as police officers or military members.

The cadets began their day with a welcome brief from the 799th SFS commander, who described what it's like to be a security forces defender. The cadets also experienced a weapons display, where they learned about various weapons used by security forces members and were taught how to appropriately handle the weapons.

Cadets were also given the opportunity to learn about and ride in vehicles used by the 99th GCTS during deployments.

"The excitement on the children's faces was very obvious, as they were able to climb in and out of vehicles that have seen action in multiple combat areas," said Jeffrey Basaldua, 799th SFS investigator.

Next, the cadets were able to watch the military working dogs at work. The MWDs and their handlers performed a number of demonstrations, concluding with a scenario where the dogs tracked down a combative suspect and pulled him out of a vehicle.

The day concluded with a tour of the Base Defense Operations Center and lunch, where cadets were able to interact one-on-one with 799th SFS members.

"Overall, it was a great visit," said Capt. Eric DeTurk, 799th SFS commander. "Our goal is to continue to reach out to the local area to reaffirm our dedication to the betterment of the community and its efforts to inspire the future leaders of America and I think we achieved that goal with this tour."