434th ARW Civilian of the Year helps keep base secure

Published March 27, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Andrew McLaughlin
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- While entering Grissom's gates, it's not surprising to see uniformed security forces officers on guard, but one of the base's protectors wears no uniform.

Terry Bodkin, 434th Security Forces Squadron police services manager, keeps the base under his watchful eye, and for his diligent efforts in 2013, he was named the 434th Air Refueling Wing Civilian of the Year.

In his position, Bodkin said he performs numerous functions vital to base security including managing resource protection, crime prevention, police services, reports and analysis, and investigation programs. He also provides oversight and monitoring of all Grissom Visitor Center functions.

"I love this job as no day is the same," he said. "Each phone call and case is different, and I learn something new each day."

While Bodkin loves his job, his superiors said they love the job he's doing.

"He's an animal when it comes to work," said Lt. Col. Christopher Witter, 434th SFS commander. "He's a dynamo in getting his work done, and really digs into the details."

Part of that work in 2013, included Bodkin authoring six sections of the base's installation defense plan as well as participating in numerous investigations and other activities aimed at keeping the north central Indiana base safe.

"The last thing I want on my watch is for something bad to happen to an individual at Grissom because I did not give 100 percent that day," he said.

While giving that 100 percent last year, Bodkin has focused a lot of his efforts on the investigation portion of his job, which is relatively new in the Air Force Reserve, explained Witter.

"As far as the police services program, that position as it stands, has only been around for about five years," the colonel elaborated. "He's rebuilt the investigative section for us, digging deep into the [Air Force instructions], tirelessly working and asking tough questions.

"He's going to be the one to define how it really exists it for Grissom," he added.

Helping him build the investigative program are his numerous experiences as a former Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agent.

Bodkin retired in 2011 after 22 years of service in the regular Air Force, 10 of which he spend in OSI.

"His prior background gives him the ability to function independently - it's like that Patton quote, 'You don't tell them how to do it, you tell them what needs to be done and let them surprise you, you just tell him what needs to be done, and he does it," said Witter. "It also allows him to build a program where the patrolmen are confident in what they're doing, and they understand the investigative process."

And, his skills aren't all in program management and training.

"Terry is one of the best interviewers I've ever met," Witter said, adding that Bodkin is always looking for new and better ways to accomplish the mission.

"He's very much against the idea of 'we've always done it that way,'" the colonel continued. "He likes to push the envelope and find new ways to do things; and he never accepts the status quo."

As a former special agent and now civilian clothes wearing member of law enforcement, Bodkin said he's not used to the spotlight.

"For those who do police work, it can sometimes feel like the work they do goes unnoticed, but this award is a reminder that this isn't the case," Bodkin explained, while giving much of the credit for the award to those with whom he works.

"I must say that I can't do my job without the assistance of so many individuals at Grissom," Bodkin concluded. "This award took a team effort."

The 434th SFS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft routinely deploy around the globe in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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434th ARW Civilian of the Year helps keep base secure

434th ARW Civilian of the Year helps keep base secure

Public Affairs Staff