The end of an era

by Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/10/2013 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del.  -- A security specialist is set to retire after 42 years.

Jay Darcey is a retired chief master sergeant who had 30 years of experience in the Air Force as a law enforcement specialist. He is now retiring from his current job as the base security liaison at Welch Elementary and Dover Air Force Base Middle School after 12 years.

He has been the base security liaison for both schools since Sept. 19, 2001.

During Darcey's time as a security liaison he has had many jobs. He checks people entering the school building to make sure they have access and are authorized. He does walk around inspections, helps with safety patrols and helps the children raise the flag in the morning. He also helps out at the housing gate helping to expedite the school teachers and the school choice children.

"I have been told by security forces that I am a walking entry authorization list because I know 97 percent of the people that come through the gate," said Darcey, a native of Baltimore, Md.

David Santore, Dover Air Force Base Middle School principal, said Darcey is a great liaison between the school and the base. Darcey makes himself an integral part of the school because he works a lot with the children.

"He is fantastic at knowing people's names whether they are a kindergarten student, an 8th-grader or a parent," said Santore. "He does a fantastic job of being the face of the school. He is the first person you see when you walk in. He is very personable and welcoming and will do anything you ask him to do."

Darcey came into the Air Force in 1966 and retired in 1997.

During his time in the Air Force he walked around B-52 Stratofortes and tanker aircraft, worked information security and reported analysis.

"I enjoy working the gate because I get to interact with the young security forces members," said Darcey. "I talk to them and get their story. It is almost like being back on active duty."

Outside of work, Darcey officiates all the intramural sports. He said he loves it because he is still getting to interact with young Airmen and they keep him young and active.

Darcey and his wife Marian, a native of Puerto Rico, are retiring at about the same time. She is a Spanish teacher at Caesar Rodney High School. After they retire they plan to travel to Puerto Rico, Orlando and Europe.

Darcey still plans on volunteering after he retires. He said he wants to volunteer at the retiree office, the base chapel and an organization downtown.

Kathy DeLong, Dover Air Force Base Middle School instructional support teacher, said when Darcey first came to the school she knew he was the man for the safety patrol job. She said she knows the children are safe and protected.

"He makes the kids feel like they have an important job with the flag," said DeLong. "I couldn't ask for someone who is more reliable and dependable."

Darcey said security is a priority and the protection of the children has been his mission.

"I am very fortunate and blessed to have had two great careers in the Air Force and working at the base school," said Darcey. "My advice to the young Airmen would be work hard, have a positive attitude, study and you can go all the way to the top in the Air Force. If you give to the Air Force, the Air Force will take good care of you and your family."