AL DHAFRA AIR BASE, United Arab Emirates -- Tech. Sgt. Marvin Perez of the 103d Security Forces Squadron (SFS) is deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates and assigned to the 380th Expeditionary SFS. Within a few weeks of arriving in Al Dhafra, Perez volunteered to spearhead the 2021 Al Dhafra Air Base National Police Week opening breakfast. The event was held on Monday, May 10, 2021 in the Dining Facility on base.
In 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officer's Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. This week of 10-15 May 2021 we pay special recognition to those law enforcement officials who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
The breakfast was a dedication ceremony to the fallen where Perez served as the emcee and many guest speakers participated. Framed photos signifying the End of Watch for Defenders were displayed and a banquet was served.
“As Security Forces members, we fulfill the duties as federal military law enforcement officers,” said Perez. “This week is about law enforcement officers of all departments, across America and overseas, that act as that crucial first line of defense, the protectors, those that uphold our laws. These men and women volunteered to stand watch twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty five days a year. The fallen law enforcement officers among us paid the ultimate sacrifice for this constant vigilance”.
The comradery among the group was evident as they remembered in solemnity their peers. In addition, the installation held a daily event during Police Week comprised of a tactical vehicle and weapon display, a military working dog demonstration, a 10k ruck march and a closing ceremony held at retreat.
Perez is the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Vehicle Search Area on midnight shift. Back home, outside of the Guard, he is a Correctional Officer.