A Veteran’s Call to Serve Again: Angel Force Brings Safety and Leadership to Local Schools
By Michelle Ruschman
One of the most important missions we have as a nation is to ensure that our children, teachers, administrators, and the support staff in our schools can focus on education without the distraction of feeling unsafe. Retired veteran Joshua Yirkovsky was inspired to start his private protection company, Angel Force Protection, and his nonprofit organization, Angel Force Foundation, when he saw firsthand what can happen when a school day is halted to deal with an intruder.
“In 2024, I was in the car lane waiting to pick up my kids from a private Christian school. I looked up to see a vagrant pulling on the doors, insisting to be let in, thinking it was the church. He was agitated and using foul language, and I could see the students and teachers through the door, clearly scared, trying to handle it on their own. With my sons being in there, I knew we needed a solution. That was the seed for Angel Force Protection and Angel Force Foundation.”
The business and the foundation are two sides of the same coin. The business employs military veterans to become Angel Guards, primarily for schools. The other focuses on providing children, their families, and educators with resources that are “dedicated to advancing school safety through proactive education and comprehensive initiatives.” This includes programs like Future Leaders Academy and safety seminars. They also conduct fundraisers so schools have the resources to utilize the instruction and protective services they need to equip their students and staff.
“Schools don’t have to use our services, but we do want them to have the option of having safety personnel on-site without worrying about where the backing is coming from.”
As a retired 21-year member of the U.S. Navy, Joshua recognized that veterans may leave the career, but the military training, the desire to protect, and the passion to serve are still part of their spirit. It’s why they’re so suited to protect the vulnerable.
“Our veterans need a sense of purpose. We served our country, and many of us are asking, ‘Now what?’ We have unique skills and the ability to adapt and overcome in the most adverse situations. We’ve been trained to be proactive and to see what bad guys look like with smiles on their faces. Being an Angel Guard can be the next chapter. I make sure each applicant is properly vetted, and they go through an extensive physical, emotional, and mental screening to make sure we’re putting the right vet at the right school. When they get in there, something amazing happens. They become someone the kids can rely on, and they become part of that school family. Having an Angel Guard in place frees SROs to be part of the community again, which continues to add another layer of protection for the village we’re all a part of.”
Not only is Joshua looking to secure the institutions that educate our children, but he wants the students who attend to have the skills to be effective citizens. Future Leaders Academy is his way of serving families, even after the child’s school day is over. The lessons are age-appropriate, starting at the age of 7.
Junior Captains (Ages 7–9): Young leaders take part in fun, hands-on exercises like group discussions, decision-making games, and interactive leadership challenges. The goal is to instill foundational habits of responsibility and expression.
Rising Stars (Ages 10–12): Participants explore leadership through goal-setting activities, debates, and group projects. They’ll learn to manage conflict, collaborate effectively, and lead small teams.
Teen Trailblazers (Ages 13–15): Teens take on leadership roles, practice public speaking, and develop strategic thinking in team-based projects. Ideal for teens preparing for leadership in school and community roles.
Young Visionaries (Ages 16–18): This advanced group dives into case studies, community service projects, and mentorship experiences to refine leadership identity and prepare for future academic and career goals.
If you’re interested in learning more about hiring Angel Force Protection or supporting Angel Force Foundation, go to www.angelfp.com and www.angelforcefoundation.org. Joshua Yirkovsky can also be reached by emailing info@angelfp.com or calling 904-436-3883.
