U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Timothy Poremba, 55th Security Forces Squadron, checks Identification at the Kenney Gate on Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 30. Military and civilian security forces members check cars on a daily basis to ensure the security of Offutt. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jeff W. Gates/Released)
U.S. Air Force Airman Donald Lewis, 55th Security Forces Squadron, checks Identification at the Kenny Gate on Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 30. Security forces members are starting a new program to enhance their customer service skills to align with their defender abilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jeff W. Gates/Released)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Timothy Poremba, 55th Security Forces Squadron, salutes an officer entering at the Kenny Gate on Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 30. Common courtesies such as the salute are an important part to a good first impression of Offutt AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jeff W. Gates/Released)
9/4/2012 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Security Forces Squadron has always made protecting Team Offutt a priority but now they are embarking on a different path - customer service.
The Defenders will still be front-line law enforcement officers, but some recent changes at the gates have them taking a new personal approach.
Since Aug. 1, the 55th SFS have implemented a dedicated section within their squadron, appropriately referred to as the Offutt Ambassadors, which focuses solely on entry control at the installation gates.
"We have always realized that the gate guard is essentially the first impression of Team Offutt and we want everyone who works here or visits the base to start their trip right," said Maj. Thomas Segars, 55th SFS commander.
Since the changes, you may have had the same guard welcoming you to base as you entered the gate. You may have even remembered their name by now.
"Our first priority will always be safeguarding this base, but our intent with this program is to add a new layer of professionalism, consistency and customer service in order to build a better rapport with the community we serve," Segars said.
The new section consists of 20 high-speed individuals made up of a mixture of Air Force, Navy and civilian Defenders who meet specific qualifications. Their goal is to develop a sense of pride and professionalism at the gates that will make you take notice.
"We may have a few growing pains as we get this program up and going but I believe this is a great addition to Team Offutt," Segars said. "I believe the Offutt Defenders will rise to meet this challenge just like any other."
