An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Spotlight on ShawFest: Senior Master Sgt. Kaziska

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fight Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Safety and security are always a top priority at major events.

ShawFest is no exception.

It is important to take steps to avoid accidents and maintain a safe atmosphere for everyone who attends the open house and air show. This is where Senior Master Sgt. Eric Kaziska, 20th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendant, comes in.

He is responsible for ensuring that security forces covers several different aspects of ShawFest, to include ensuring the public enters and exits the base safely, and keeping real-world assets safe. Many security issues must be considered when it comes to events like ShawFest.

To help cover all of these issues, Sergeant Kaziska works with 15 different points-of-contact who all funnel through him. The security forces work for ShawFest started in earnest about a month ago, according to Sergeant Kaziska. They've been figuring out the details for augmentees as well as receiving extra equipment from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Sergeant Kaziska has received a lot of help from very responsible people to get this job done, he said. He has a large, experienced staff of outstanding security forces members. Right now all the senior non-commissioned officers and back office workers in security forces are tasked with several different jobs in preparation for ShawFest.

Keeping up with ShawFest does take up a lot of time, said Sergeant Kaziska, however it works hand-in-hand with his everyday job in that his work with ShawFest is a force protection issue.

Sergeant Kaziska requests that people will exercise patience during ShawFest.

"Security forces are trying to get a lot of people on base and there are only so many entry control points," he said. "They are trying to do the best they can to make ShawFest an enjoyable experience."

Security forces are working around the clock to make sure that ShawFest will be a successful, safe and fun experience for everyone, he added.

Keep in mind that all guests will pass through a security checkpoint before entering the flight line. Here are some key points to remember regarding ShawFest security:

· Due to heightened security requirements, containers such as backpacks and coolers will be prohibited on the airfield. Some exceptions will be made for items such as diaper bags, purses and folding lawn chairs, but visitors must submit them to security personnel for an inspection.

· Weapons are strictly prohibited. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, blades (including pocket knives), and blunt objects. Patrons with firearms will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

· Small fanny packs are permitted, subject to approval by gate security personnel and a hand-search at the security checkpoint.

· Small purses are permitted, subject to approval by gate security personnel and a hand-search at the security checkpoint.

· There are no security restrictions on cameras, video cameras and cell phones. However, large camera bags are not permitted. Bring only the necessary camera equipment, leaving extra attachments at home. A small fanny pack or camera vest is useful for carrying film and small lenses.

· We will not turn away anyone carrying drinks or food in their hands. But backpacks and coolers with these items will not be permitted on the airfield.

· All items brought are subject to approval by gate security personnel and hand-search at the security checkpoint

· Folding chairs are permitted. If your folding chair is one of the types that comes in a carrying-case, please have it out for inspection.

· Strollers will be hand-searched at the security checkpoint. Please bring only necessary items in a small diaper bag, subject to hand-search at the security checkpoint. Large diaper bags will not be permitted. You may return to your vehicle during the show to get extra clothes, restock diaper items, etc. Anyone who leaves the flight line, must pass through the security checkpoint again when re-entering.

For more information about the air show and open house, visit www.shawfest2010.com.