LEXINGTON — All things considered, Sgt. Kenneth Nilsson would rather not be spending his holidays standing eight to 10 hours a day watching passengers at Bluegrass Airport.

        “I wish I'd be in Afghanistan with the soldiers over there. But I'll be here,” Sgt. Nilsson said.

        Sgt. Nilsson is a Kentucky National Guard member, one of about two dozen who have been placed on active duty and assigned to augment security at passenger checkpoints at the five commercial airports in Kentucky.

        It's a duty that didn't exist until after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. While it might appear tedious, Sgt. Nilsson said it is interesting and important, a way not only to fill an important need in the changing face of America but, as he puts it, pay back some of the people who pay him — the citizens of Kentucky.

        “There are so many things we're looking at, that we're watching for, the job itself is not boring in my eyes,” Sgt. Nilsson said.

        Sgt. Nilsson, a Long Island native, spent five months on active military duty in Bosnia as a part of the 940th Military Police company. He flew into Fort Benning, Ga., on Sept. 10 and when he awoke the next day, the world was at war.

        Now 35, Sgt. Nilsson spent several years “working Joe jobs” before he joined the Guard eight years ago.

        Tall and erect in starched camouflage uniforms, shined boots and gun belt, with a black beret tilted just so, Sgt. Nilsson and his col leagues look all-business. It is an image carefully crafted, designed to reassure and, if necessary, perhaps intimidate just a bit.

        Sgt. Nilsson said he rarely has to intervene with passengers who might take issue with the screening, searches and additional security that are now a part of air travel. To the contrary, he said passengers are happy the armed military personnel are on the job.

        “They appreciate our presence,” Sgt. Nilsson said. “They thank us for being here. I've not heard one negative comment from anyone for us being here. Which is nice, to be thanked for being here.”

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