LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- For Airman 1st Class Victoria Friend, being an entry controller with the 47th Security Forces Squadron means many things: securing the people and property of Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, while providing professionalism, integrity, and compassion to those driving up to Laughlin’s gate.
“I try my best to be happy, smile, and be polite to everyone,” she said. “I hear sometimes that people think Security Forces are always crabby or mad. I try to be the opposite—I want to be the one that brings everyone up, because you also never know who pulls up to the gate.”
Having been on Laughlin for roughly a year and a half, Friend has become certified in entry controlling, patrolling, operating the armory, and performing duties in the base defense operations center.
Recently, she took the initiative of consolidating the entry controller learning materials for inbound Airmen or those looking to certify in the recently revamped field. The extra effort she puts into her work earned her recognition by not only her squadron but also senior level officials, and those she interacts with at the gate every day.
“The job can be hard at times, but it’s still fun and you get a lot of experience,” Friend said. “I really appreciate the base and the community as well—especially when they come through the gate and are super polite and say ‘have a good day’ back, or bring us ice cold drinks on a hot day. I don’t think people realize when we say ‘thank you,’ how much we really mean it, because it means a lot to us.”