Air Force Memorial: Airman keeps dedication VIPs safe

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  In an average day, an Airman will do his or her part to make sure the mission is accomplished. For Staff Sgt. Joseph O'Donnell, the average day could mean saving the president's life.

As a member of the Protective Services unit of the 316th Security Forces Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Sergeant O'Donnell is tasked with guarding anyone of importance that either enters or leaves his base.

"On a typical day I can guard anyone from the president to foreign dignitaries to a three-star general," said the native of Quaker Town, Penn. "And there's going to be a lot of people to guard here this weekend."

That's because numerous civilian and military leaders will be flying into Andrews AFB to attend the dedication ceremony for the Air Force Memorial Oct. 14.

It will be up to individuals such as Sergeant O'Donnell to keep them safe. It's a role he is proud to play, and one he takes very serious.

"I love this job," he said. "It's exciting and I feel like I make a difference every day."

He loves his job so much, in fact, he would appreciate the opportunity to tell others about it. 

"It would be great if I could talk to the kids in my old school and tell them what I'm doing now," said Sergeant O'Donnell. "Maybe that would inspire them to realize they can accomplish anything ... even guarding the president some day."

Though his contribution to the Air Force Memorial dedication is behind the scenes and away from the public eye, Sergeant O'Donnell knows it is still an important one.

"Protective Services is playing a big role in this important event," he said. "I'm glad I can be a part of it."