By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Switzer

Special to the News-Herald

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Satellites have become a fixed part of life for most Americans. They provide television to homes, help people find their way around, track weather patterns and offer a view of neighborhoods and cities around the world.

The son of a Suffolk man helps get those satellites into orbit, among other things.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon L. Holliman, son of James Holliman, of Suffolk, is a security forces member with the 45th Space Wing. The main part of the wing is located at Patrick Air Force Base, but a few miles down the road, other parts of the wing work at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station where the launches occur.
The 45th Space Wing launches rockets, including the Delta IV and Atlas V, which put those satellites in orbit and also provides support for the Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial manned and unmanned space programs.
“I’m the noncommissioned officer in charge of security forces supply,” said Holliman, a 2002 graduate of Lakeland High School. “I make sure all of my cops are equipped properly to keep the base and its people secure. I also make sure they are ready to deploy and support the mission downrange.”
Hundreds of airmen, including Holliman, support launch operations both directly at the launch sites and indirectly as a part of support units that provide security and medical care.
“My favorite part of my job is easing the minds of friends and families of our deployed personnel when they ask questions about their loved ones,” said Holliman, who is assigned to the 45th Security Forces Squadron. “It gives me satisfaction to know that I contributed to giving children and loved ones positive thoughts when they are missing their military member.”
It’s not all work for the members of the 45th Space Wing. The Patrick main gate is just across the street from a beach, and with Orlando and several parks and preserve areas only a short drive away, there is a lot for airmen to do.
“I love living in Florida,” said Holliman. “It’s a great place to be and it gives me lots of things to do with my family on my off-duty time.”
Holliman has been in the Air Force for eight years and plans to serve a full 20-year career.