LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On a sunny day at Fort MacArthur, kids wore swimsuits and smiles, as the San Pedro Fire Department truck, turned the parking lot into a giant water playground. Officer Aerial Braswell, aka “Ace”, of the 61st Security Forces Squadron, Department of the Air Force Civilian Police, played a central role in organizing the event, bringing together organizations like The Los Angeles Police Department and The United States Secret Service for an “Empowering Military Youth Day” on Aug. 9, 2024, Los Angeles AFB, California.
Braswell’s own call to service began at a young age as he was inspired by his grandfather, who retired from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD). “I realized I wanted to be an officer when I was about five years old,” he remembers. He humorously recalls writing tickets to his own parents for infractions around the house, a testament to his early commitment to justice.
For Braswell, engaging with youth is more than just a professional responsibility—it’s a passion. He says the activity allowed kids to make a personal connection with service agencies and shape positive perceptions. “This initiative goes beyond showcasing law enforcement duties; it is about humanizing the badge and dismantling stereotypes… young people gain a clear understanding of the role officers play in ensuring community safety,” he asserted.
“Events like these are crucial as they allow us to collaborate with a shared goal of supporting youth and strengthening community ties. It’s about pooling resources, sharing expertise, and creating a more unified approach to serving military families and their unique needs,” he continued. Needs he can relate to, as he was once a Soldier himself.
Before joining the 61st Security Forces Squadron, as a civilian officer in 2023, Lt. Braswell was enlisted in the United States Army, where he served from 2013 to 2016 as a 91W Stryker Maintainer and an 88N Transportation Management Coordinator. “At 21, I made the decision to pursue civilian law enforcement. It felt right because it aligned with my core values of service, integrity, and justice,” he explained.
Braswell’s professional experience was expanded through training at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. He learned fundamental law enforcement skills, crisis intervention techniques, and tactical operations, all while receiving in-depth legal and ethical training. Reflecting on his four years of combined field experience, he shared, “It’s been a fulfilling journey every step of the way.”
He plans to continue serving in his current role and said “Empowering Military Youth Day” laid the foundation for future collaboration among various organizations. Noting, “By working together, we can stay prepared and responsive to any challenges that may arise.” Braswell’s efforts to build trust and understanding exemplify what it means to protect and serve.
Officer Aerial Braswell, Department of the Air Force Civilian Police, 61st Security Forces Squadron, brought together local service agencies and first responders to connect with kids on August 9, 2024, San Pedro, Calif. Firefighters turned a parking lot at Fort MacArthur, into a water park for “Empowering Military Youth Day.” (U.S. Space Force photo by Amy Urbina).