BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For Staff Sgt. Austin O’Donnell of the 460th Security Forces Squadron, service is more than a uniform; it’s a commitment rooted in family, purpose and a lifelong passion for protecting others.
Hailing from Rolla, Missouri, but spending most of his early life in Modesto, California, O’Donnell found himself drawn toward serving his country early on in his life. His ambition to work in law enforcement ultimately guided his choice to enter the U.S. Air Force as a security forces defender. He joined the ranks in June of 2020, driven by his commitment to serve and protect.
Today, he is an investigator for the 460th SFS, handling rare sensitive criminals. His work involves conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and building detailed reports that guide leadership and legal teams in maintaining order and accountability across the installation.
Beyond investigative duties and as a core element of installation defense, SFS personnel receive comprehensive training to proactively combat a spectrum of threats, encompassing installation breaches, insider and foreign adversaries, and small unmanned aerial system incursions.
The ability to protect and defend the installation extends beyond uniform wearers inside the fence line, with long-standing relationships with local law enforcement, FBI, and other agencies. These relationships ensure positive flow of communication when intel tips toward a potential threat.
O’Donnell arrived at Buckley Space Force Base a year and a half ago through the First-Term Airman Base of Preference program, an opportunity he says has been extremely rewarding.
“Being part of the Space Force mission has been enlightening,” he shared. “Knowing the mission we enable and the environment we protect makes the long days worth it.”
His motivation is rooted deeply in family. His wife and daughter remain at the center of his drive to serve and excel.
“Knowing that I am serving my country and taking care of my family helps me to push through challenges,” O’Donnell shared.
Outside his duties, he stays grounded through golf and by playing bass guitar for his church’s worship band. Professionally, he aims to make technical sergeant or commission, supported by his experience on the Wing Inspection Team and continued leadership development.
Whether leading investigations or contributing to base-wide readiness efforts, SSgt O’Donnell continues to exemplify the professionalism and commitment that define Team Buckley’s defenders of the 460th SFS.