Close call in AOR didn't discourage Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cory Gossett
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  This Indiana native wanted to be part of something bigger in life. His high school graduation date was coming up and he had to make a decision, find a job to pay the bills or join the Air Force. He chose to serve his country, and he never imagined it would enable him to pursue his college education and be part of something so much bigger than himself.

"I wanted to get out and make a difference," said Senior Airman Alten Hayes, 56th Security Forces Squadron pass and registration journeyman. "I've always had a passion for helping others, and by joining the Air Force I knew I would have plenty of opportunities to do so."

When Hayes joined the Air Force he chose security forces as a career. It was something completely different than what he was used to.

"It wasn't what I expected at first," Hayes said. "Most people who join security forces expect to bash down doors and throw people on the ground to keep the peace. But I quickly realized that doesn't happen often, and that's a good thing. When the base remains quiet, it means that security forces personnel are doing their jobs."

Hayes has worked a variety of jobs within SFS. He has worked security on the flightline, checked identification cards at the gates and now performs background checks for people trying to get on base.

"Senior Airman Hayes is a hard worker and willing to get the job done no matter what it takes," said Tech. Sgt. Matt Buchan, 56th SFS Pass and Registration NCO in charge. "Anytime people need help, he's the first to volunteer."

When Hayes got orders to Afghanistan, he eagerly went, excited to see another part of the world and the experiences that came with it.

"I worked with Romanian, Belgian, Australian and Afghani military forces," he said. "It was great meeting new people from different countries and seeing they are just like us. "
He also saw many of his friends from technical school.

"It was a great surprise," Hayes said. "They helped make the deployment enjoyable, and they were the life of the flight. It was never a dull moment when they were around."

Twelve-hour shifts with one day off and constant threats of rocket attacks are a lot for anyone to go through, but it was a typical day for Hayes. There was one rocket attack that stood out to Hayes.

"I was in the turret of a humvee when the sirens went off," he said. "I remember hearing the rockets go by overhead. I was facing one direction when I heard a huge thud close by. I turned my head as fast as I could and saw a rocket had landed about 60 feet from me.

Emotions surged in Hayes.

"I was in shock," he said. "I couldn't believe it landed so close. There was that moment of 'Oh my God that could have hit me.' I was so thankful that it didn't blow up and that no one got hurt."

Hayes didn't let this experience drag him down. Instead he likes to focus on the good things from his time in Afghanistan. The experience helped him grow, something his family noticed as well.

"Family members use me as an example for the younger ones," Hayes said. "The kids look up to me, and it makes me feel proud of everything I've accomplished."

Hayes hopes to continue being the example by setting his sights on getting a bachelor's degree in videography or photography. Hayes has had plenty of opportunities to give advice and motivate others. His life experiences have helped him in his personal life and Air Force career, and he wants to continue helping others by becoming a first sergeant.

"I want to be able to motivate people and inspire them, help them reach their goals just like I have," he said. "I feel I can help others push through the hardships and make it to the top."