Security forces Airman ‘Necessary’ for mission accomplishment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  In today's expeditionary Air Force, security forces Airmen play an integral role in contingency operations and stateside missions. One Airman in the 36th Security Forces Squadron here is "Necessary." 

Senior Airman James Necessary, a 36th Security Forces Squadron security controller from Pryor, Okla., was selected by Master Sgt. Kelly Halferty, 36th Force Support Squadron and 36th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, for his on-duty excellence and his off-duty contributions. 

After arriving here in December 2007, Airman Necessary began making his work ethic known and establishing his reputation. Currently working night shift, Airman Necessary dispatches and controls patrols, monitors and controls all radio traffic, and prepares the security forces blotter and daily correspondence. 

"He's my enforcer as well as my example," said Tech. Sgt. Sally Shanahan, who supervises Airman Necessary. "I trust him to get the job done right the first time and to be my eyes and ears when I'm not around." 

Airman Necessary also volunteers time off duty, assisting with Airmen Against Drunk Driving, fundraisers and assisting training his flight on his off days. He proactively seeks other means to develop and refine his skills in his trade. 

"I volunteered to [attend] Naval Special Response Team training, a six-week course consisting of weapons fundamentals and capabilities, close-quarters combat, ground fighting and tactical tracking," Airman Necessary said. "I also volunteered for training as an advanced designated marksman. This course involved working as part of a two-man team to engage targets out to 600 meters." 

Of his many goals he has set for himself, education is a high priority. Airman Necessary aspires to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is only one class away from obtaining his Community College of the Air Force degree in criminal justice. 

"I really enjoy law enforcement and would like to continue on into other aspects of it, possibly [for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations]," Airman Necessary said. "I hope to complete my last class for my CCAF within the next month. This is a faster pace for me than waiting for classes like Airman Leadership School or any other career development courses the Air Force has to offer." 

When he's not at work or volunteering, Airman Necessary said he enjoys hunting, scuba diving and bowling with his friends. 

Airman Necessary's drive and ambition have set the prime example for his peers and co-workers to follow. 

"Senior Airman Necessary brings the well-rounded and high-speed/low drag factor," Sergeant Shanahan said. "He is without a doubt one of my top three [working under me]. I personally challenge any other Airman to try and surpass him."