Washington – District of Columbia Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Hector Amaya, a member of the 113th Security Forces Squadron, 113th Wing, was patrolling the National Mall with fellow Airmen when he witnessed a United States Park Police officer being assaulted on Aug. 16.
Amaya and fellow Guard members were patrolling the area as part of the Joint Task Force District of Columbia’s D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force when the police officer asked for assistance. Amaya was the first one to reach the park officer to provide assistance until fellow park police officers arrived.
“I have grown up and lived my entire life in the DMV [D.C., Maryland Virginia metropolitan area]. I remember coming here when I was in fifth grade for field trips, and all the way now. So, I care a lot about this city,” said Amaya.
National Guard service members in the task force are tasked to provide critical support, including crowd management, presence patrols, and perimeter control, in support of law enforcement.
“I want people to see that we're human beings, we're their neighbors, we're their friends, and we're just here to help,” said Amaya.