Serving through the season

Staff Sgt. David Rogers, Jr., 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron Bravo Flight squad leader, helps Airman 1st Class Jonathan Searles, 341st MSFS member, inventory and inspect his gear prior to posting out into the missile field for a five day deployment. Sergeant Rogers and his crew will be working over the Christmas holiday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Eydie Sakura).

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. David Rogers, Jr.

Published Dec. 19, 2007
By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura
341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- He said being a member of security forces and working the holidays is something you just get used to, and this holiday is no different for Staff Sgt. David Rogers, Jr., 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron Bravo Flight squad leader, who has been at Malmstrom for nearly four years.

"I've been a cop for more than seven years and have spent many Christmas and New Year's holidays away from my family," Sergeant Rogers said. "It's just part of the job."

The Killeen, Texas, native is currently a single dad since his wife is deployed to Serbia and his son David, 5, will be spending time with his grandmother on Christmas since both Air Force parents will be working.

"If I wasn't working on Christmas, I would be hanging out with my son, and we would go to Colorado to be with family since it's just the two of us this year," the staff sergeant said. "We normally don't get too fancy with Christmas dinner, but my only holiday favorite I'll miss most are chitterlings ... they're great!"

Sergeant Rogers said the security of wing resources is the number one job here and his flight acts as the first line of defense in the field and at the missile alert facilities.

"It stinks to be out in the field over the holidays when it's below freezing temperatures outside, but it is an important job and we have the role of making sure resources are safe guarded around-the-clock in a professional manner."