USAF Special Investigations Academy takes part in AFOSI's 60th Anniversary Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Special Agent Keith Crook
  • United States Air Force Special Investigations Academy
BRUNSWICK, Ga. --  Recently the instructors and staff of the United States Air Force Special Investigations Academy (USAFSIA) gathered at the headquarters building of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Brunswick, Ga. to do their part for the Air Force Office of Special Investigation's (AFOSI) 60th Anniversary ceremony. 

At 10 a.m., uniformed FLETC security personnel first lowered the center's state and agency flags in preparation for striking the colors. Immediately thereafter, USAFSIA personnel came to attention and held a salute to the colors as they were lowered into the waiting arms of the FLETC security personnel. 

As soon as the training center's flag was removed, Senior Airman Sara McCoy, Tech. Sgt. Charles Meore and Tech. Sgt. Philip Santomauro stepped forward to raise the colors destined to become part of AFOSI history. Chief Master Sgt. Walker Cottingham again called the group to attention and present arms as the colors ascended to fly over FLETC as part of their journey around the AFOSI regions located worldwide. 

While the Air Force members were standing and saluting, FLETC staff going about their business came to a halt and faced the flag with their hands over their hearts, sharing in our moment of pride to be serving a nation to whom the American flag means so much. The salute was held by the USAFSIA staff through the pause at the top and then Senior Airman McCoy, Tech. Sgt. Meore and Tech. Sgt. Santomauro lowered the flag slowly. 

Spontaneously, there was a brief pause when the flag reached half mast, in silent recognition of AFOSI's fallen heroes and those whose names are inscribed on the monument just south of the flagpole which identifies all of the federal law enforcement officers who have graduated from FLETC and have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Continuing downward, the flag floated into the arms of the USAFSIA staff honored to raise and lower the colors, and was folded into the familiar shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers who fought for the independence of America so long ago. After the flag had been folded and solemnly handed to the flag bearer, the command of order arms was given and the detail remained at attention until dismissed. After pausing to reflect on such an occasion, the instructors and staff returned to the task of preparing the students who are the future of AFOSI and our legacy for years to come.