Gate guard known for ‘Have a wonderful day!’ Published July 22, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes Public Affairs Hurlburt Field, Florida -- A little kindness can go a long way. A kind word, warm wish or a smile just may be the little something extra someone needs to get through a tough day. These sentiments may often come from a place you least expect it. Sometimes they might even come from a cheerful gate guard who always has a warm smile to offer and a wish for you to have a wonderful day. You may have wondered about this gate guard, with the Santa-like spirit who always seems to have a positive attitude and a smile, no matter the conditions outside. His name is William Alford. He was born in Fresno, Calif., and grew up in Fullerton, Calif., and a positive attitude is something he has maintained his whole life. "I was raised to treat people with respect and courtesy - it's kind of second nature," the blue-eyed Mr. Alford said. "If you're respectful and friendly with people, the more likely they are to be that way to you." The retired master sergeant served 24 years in the Air Force in the ammunitions career field. Now he serves those who serve. "I spent 24 years protecting the security of the nation," Mr. Alford said. "Now I protect the families of those who are away protecting our nation." Some family members definitely appreciate his presence at the gate and take notice when he is gone. "When he's not at the gate my kids always say 'Where's the guy who always says 'hi'? We want to say hi to him,' said Staff Sgt. Brandy Turner, 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Office. After spending six active-duty years at Hurlburt Field, Mr. Alford retired and was soon on the market for a new job. He and his family wanted to stay in the area, so he got on board with USProtect after a neighbor's brother-in-law referred him. Almost a year-and-a-half-later, he's still here and plans on staying even longer. "I like the job," Mr. Alford said. "I like the guys I work with, and I like working with security forces. We're there for each other." "Mr. Alford greets everyone with a smile, no matter the weather," said Staff Sgt. Evan Hunt, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron. "When I see him at the gate, I make sure to go through his lane." As a gate guard, or entry control officer, Mr. Alford's main duties are to control vehicle and pedestrian traffic entering the base and to keep unauthorized people off the base. Mr. Alford said although he enjoys the job, it's not always easy. Recently Mr. Alford had to stop a military member coming through the gate who had an arrest warrant out with civilian law officials. "The hardest part of the job is when a suspicious situation comes up," Mr. Alford said. "You never know what's going to happen or what people are going to do. People sometimes get upset when we have to enforce the regulations of the base." Mr. Alford still maintains a positive attitude, even when faced with unpleasant situations and unpleasant weather. "I know these people who are entering the base might be heading into worse things," he said. When he's not working, the husband and father says he enjoys spending time with his children, fishing and restoring cars with his son. Their latest project is a 1969 BMW 2800 CS. So the next time you're on your way to the gate, and the weather isn't so great and you know it's going to be a tough day, cheer up. There just might be someone there waiting to greet you with a warm smile, hoping you have a wonderful day.