Warrior Spotlight

Warrior Spotlight

Warrior Spotlight provides commanders the opportunity to highlight star performers that have achieved sustained excellence within their organization. The program will showcase two individuals weekly, one military and one DoD civilian. Selected individuals will have their photograph taken, in their work environment, and be asked to complete a personal data sheet. Both products will be published on the official Tyndall Web site and submitted for publication in the GULF DEFENDER newspaper. Each unit should provide a selectee for inclusion in this program to the 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office via e-mail at Editor@Tyndall.af.mil. A PA representative will make contact with your selectee and complete the process.

325th Fighter Wing Civilian

Squadron: 325th Fighter Wing Protocol
Name: Patty Fackler
Rank/Position: GS-09
Job title: Deputy Chief of Protocol
Hometown: Andyville, Ky.
Time on Station: 16 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 25 years
Hobbies: Genealogy, history, needlepoint, and reading
Goals: Someday retire and have free time
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Beautiful beaches and wonderful people
Favorite Movie: I like too many to pick just one
Favorite Book: Anything by Lee Smith
Proudest moment in the military/position: When I see some of the things the Air Force does for military families, I feel especially proud to work for the Air Force.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: To provide protocol guidance to Team Tyndall members, adhere to Air Force customs and culture, and promote a positive image of the Air Force, Tyndall, and its members.

325th Comptroller Squadron Civilian

Name: Ronda Wetter
Rank: GS-06
Age: 47
Job title: Civilian Pay Technician
Hometown: Springfield, Mo.
Time on Station: 19 years
Time in Service: 20 years
Hobbies: Fishing, gardening and travel
Goals: Retire here at Tyndall, build a house on our property out of town and grow our gardens
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The beautiful location
Favorite Movie: Something about Mary
Favorite Book: It by Stephen King
Proudest moment in the military: When I left Defense Commissary Agency to work for the Air Force
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? I do my best to support our Civil Service employees to ensure that they are paid on time and properly. I also help with the Defense Travel System program to support Tyndall's temporary duty and training missions

325th Contracting Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Contracting Squadron
Name: Aubreigh Sumner
Rank: GS-04
Job title: Contract Administrator
Hometown: Charleston, S.C.
Time on Station: 6 months
Time in Service: 6 months
Hobbies: Watching movies, Gator football, SEC Football (Roll Tide!), spending time with friends, and road Trips
Goals: Learn to read, write, and speak Arabic, complete a half marathon then a full marathon, and finish my master's degree in criminal justice
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: My co-workers
Favorite Movie: Rear Window
Favorite Book: Anything by John Grisham
Proudest moment in the military/position: Winning Civilian of the Quarter at the squadron level my first full quarter in this position
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : Executing contracts in support of 325th Civil Engineer Squadron construction requirements

325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Name: Michelle Gautreaux
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Time in Service: N/A
Hobbies: anything active and/or outdoors, running, cooking new and healthy recipes
Goals: To become a certified specialist in Sports Dietetics and to have a base and Air Force wide audience for healthy cooking demonstrations
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: the opportunity to promote and live a healthy lifestyle
Favorite Movie: I don't really have a favorite, I like many
Favorite Book: usually fitness or nutrition related readings
Proudest moment in the military/working for the military: being named Honorary Maintainer and providing healthy food demo for the Air Education and Training Command, General Edward Rice's wife, Mrs. Teresa Rice and the 325th Fighter Wing commander, Brig. General James Browne's wife, Mrs. Alison Browne.
Job title and description: Health & Wellness Dietitian, I offer a variety of nutrition programs and classes, promote and educate on healthy lifestyle through good nutrition.

43rd Fighter Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 43rd Fighter Squadron 43rd Fighter Squadron Civilian

Name: Erica Burgard
Rank/Position: GS-09
Job title: 43rd FS scheduler and aircraft dispatcher
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fla.
Time on Station: 3 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 3 months as a GS-09, prior enlisted and served at Tyndall for 4 years as a maintenance scheduler
Hobbies: Spending time with my daughter, reading, and relaxing at the beach.
Goals: To earn my bachelors degree within the next year and to surpass any expectations my supervisor has set out for me.
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Working with a group of the world's most superb aircraft maintainers and pilots and living on the Emerald Coast next to the most beautiful beaches.
Favorite Movie: Tommy Boy and Sixteen Candles
Favorite Book: Dr. Seuss by Theodor Seuss Geisel, Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, and all Nicholas Sparks novels
Proudest moment in the military/position: Returning to and continuing to help support the Team Tyndall mission as a civilian.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : Aiding in production of tomorrow's air dominance warriors with unsurpassed training realism.

325th Maintenance Operations Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325 Maintenance Operations Squadron 325th Maintenance Operations Squadron Civilian

Name: Anna E. Holland
Rank/Position: GS-6/commander's support staff
Job title: Unit Program Coordinator
Hometown: Gary, Ind.
Time on Station: Military, 22 years. As GS employee, 1 year, 2 months
Time in Service/Occupation: Military, 24 years as information manager. GS employee, 1 year, 2 months as commander's support staff
Hobbies: Traveling
Goals: To work at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, making policies for my career field
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Tyndall is 5 hours from several major cities. There are so many things to do on an extended weekend.
Favorite Movie: Star Wars
Favorite Book: The Bible
Proudest moment in the military/position: I would have to say my proudest moment was the day I stood up for a deployed person during a military trial; I made a difference in keeping a good woman in the military and see her retire as a chief master sergeant later on.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : My role in the Team Tyndall mission is to keep the commanders of 325th MOS and the 325th Maintenance Group aware of the administration programs and the status of security for all military, civilian and contractors assigned to 325th MOS and 325th MXG staff.

Airey Noncommissioned Officer Academy

Squadron: Airey NCO Academy Airey Noncommissioned Officer Academy

Name: Liesbeth Watson
Rank/Position: Technical Sergeant
Job title: Professional Military Education Instructor
Hometown: Newport News, Va.
Time on Station: 3 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 14 years/PME Instructor
Hobbies: Music DJ and dance
Goals: Earn a master's degree through Air Force Institute of Technology
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The beach
Favorite Movie: Talladega Nights
Favorite Book: Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Proudest moment in the military/position: I was promoted early to technical sergeant through Stripes For Exceptional Performers (STEP) program.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: I educate our Air Force's future senior noncommissioned officers.

601st Air and Space Operations Center Civilian

Squadron: 601st Air and Space Operations Center

Name: Ruth R. Preston
Rank/Position: GS-06
Job title: Secretary and civilian liaison
Hometown: Buffalo City, Wis.
Time on Station: 28 years
Time in Service/Occupation: In civil service for 36 years
Hobbies: Reading, crocheting, genealogy
Goals: To use my skills, abilities, and knowledge to actively continue making improvements for an effective work environment.
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Working with military people -- friendly, caring, goal-oriented people.
Favorite Movie: Sci Fi in the Star Trek/Star Wars genre
Favorite Book: Any James Patterson book, especially the Maximum Ride series
Proudest moment in the military/position: In 1999, being selected as Tyndall's Air Force Communications and Information Professionalism Award Junior Civilian.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? To provide secretarial support for the 101st Air and Space Operations Group commander and civilian personnel support for the civilians working in the 601st AOC.

325th Force Support Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Force Support Squadron 325th Force Support Squadron Civilian

Name: Doris Whidden
Rank/Position: GS-04
Job Title: Child Development Operations Clerk
Hometown: Anaheim, Calif.
Time on Station: 25 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 3 years
Hobbies: Sewing and scrapbooking. I sew everything to include wedding gowns and prom dresses. It's a labor of love; I made the wedding gowns for both of my daughters.
Goals: To be located closer to my grandchildren or to have them located closer to me!
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Witnessing patriotism every day and being part of the military experience.
Favorite Movie: Overboard with Goldie Hawn, which is incredibly funny
Favorite Book: My Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers
Proudest moment in the military/position: Taking my family to air shows to share in the achievements and great work of the U.S. military.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: Serving the military families here at Tyndall - helping ensure that their young ones are well cared for while they serve our country.

325th Medical Operations Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Medical Operations Squadron

Name: Kathryn Teagarden
Rank/Position: GS-7
Job title: Family Advocacy Program Assistant
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Time on Station: 12 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 15 years in Civil Service, 12 years in MDG
Hobbies: Cross-stitching, Reading
Goals: To eventually retire and move closer to my children and granddaughter
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Getting to work in a very diverse environment
Favorite Movie: The Three Musketeers, The Lord of the Rings movies and all Harry Potter movies
Favorite Book: The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Proudest moment in the military/position: Being asked to provide a briefing to all the Family Advocacy Program Assistants in the Air Force on preparing for the Health Services Inspection
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: To help educate Team Tyndall on how to prevent domestic violence and child abuse.

325th Operations Support Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Operations Support Squadron

Name: Timothy Hibbard
Rank/Position: Air Traffic Controller
Job title: Air Traffic Controller
Hometown: Eustis, Fla.
Time on Station: 11 and a half years
Time in Service/Occupation: 20 years active duty, 6 years civilian air traffic controller
Hobbies: wood working and physical fitness in the new gym on base
Goals: Continue to be spoiled rotten and live the dream
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: My JOB!!!
Favorite Movie: Original "Star Wars"
Favorite Book: Without Remorse by Tom Clancy
Proudest moment in the military/position: Winning 2008 Tyndall Civilian of the Year and Air Force Air Traffic Controller of the Year
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: To train new air traffic controllers and help train new F-22 Raptor student pilots.

82nd Aerial Targets Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron Civilian

Name: Matt LaCourse
Rank/Position: GS-13
Job title: Pilot/Controller
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Time on Station: 1997-2000 Active Duty / 2003-Present Contractor/Civil Servant
Time in Service/Occupation: 22 years Air Force Fighter Pilot, eight years as an E-9/QF-4 pilot and full-scale/ subscale aerial targets controller
Hobbies: Golf and boating
Goals: Fly and controlling aerial targets until I'm 60
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Sunsets and cocktails with friends at the Tyndall Marina
Favorite Movie: We Were Soldiers
Favorite Book: The Lord of the Rings
Proudest moment in the military/position: Receiving the squadron guidon as the Commander of the 82nd ATRS
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: I am a QF-4 Instructor pilot and full-scale (QF-4) and subscale (BQM-167) controller. I fly aerial targets for various DT/OT test programs and the Weapons System Evaluation Program.

325th Security Forces Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Security Forces Squadron

Name: Jim Hazzard
Rank/Position: GS-09
Job title: Plans Representative
Hometown: Cleveland, Miss.
Time on Station: 2 years, 6 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 2 years, 6 months, Security Administrator, 23 years prior service as a U.S. Marine.
Hobbies: Golf, softball, pool and horseback riding
Goals: To be able to answer any and every question these young Airmen ask of me. To be someone they can talk to and to provide sound advice when they feel they need it.
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Being able to work with the young men and women of the finest security forces squadron in the Air Force and of course, the weather.
Favorite Movie: The Quiet Man
Favorite Book: Battle Cry by Leon Uris
Proudest moment in the military/position: There are two. Representing the Marine Corps recruiting effort in Tom Clancy's book Marine and being a member of the 2009 Air Force's "Best" Medium Security Forces Squadron.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: My role is to provide the correct and current information for security forces members so that they are equipped with the knowledge to secure Team Tyndall.

53rd Weapons Evaluation Group Civilian

Squadron: 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group

Name: Glenn W. Hoflund
Rank/Position: GS-11 / Quality Assurance Specialist
Job title: Chief Quality Assurance Evaluator
Hometown: Encino, Calif.
Time on Station: 12 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 3 and a half years
Hobbies: Family/Friends, landscaping, boating and riding my Harley.
Goals: To become a Shriner
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Tyndall Marina Yacht Club
Favorite Movie: Ghost
Favorite Book: Rocket Boys: A Memoir, by Homer H. Hickam
Proudest moment in the military/position: Selected as Logistics Professional and Civilian of the Year
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? Liaison for host-tenant relations and agreements between the 53rd WEG and Tyndall.

83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron

Name: Douglas Novak
Rank/Position: GS-09/Electronics Technician
Job Title: Mission Supervisor
Hometown: Butte, Mont. and now Panama City, Fla.
Time on Station: 3 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 3 years
Hobbies: Computers, building and working on cars, family
Goals: Make GS-11 and earn a bachelor's degree
Favorite Thing about Tyndall: The people are great
Favorite Movie: Rob Roy
Favorite Book: Bible
Proudest Moment in the Military/Position: When I became mission supervisor qualified
What Is Your Role in the Team Tyndall Mission: Collect, process, record and archive Weapon System Evaluation Program air-to-air missile telemetry data and other data supporting Defense Department and foreign military sales customers

325th Maintenance Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Maintenance Squadron 325th Maintenance Squadron Civilian

Name: Ronald Cannon
Rank/Position: WG-10 aircraft mechanic
Job title: Aircraft mechanic
Hometown: Bethesda, Md.
Time on Station: 30 years
Time in Service/Occupation: Six years active duty, 30 years civil service
Hobbies: Hunting, scuba diving, spear fishing and grandkids
Goals: Retire and be the best Granddad ever
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: It's a great place to live and work and raise a family. It has been my pleasure to work and serve Tyndall.
Favorite Movie: The Last of the Mohicans
Favorite Book: The Last of the Mohicans
Proudest moment in the military/position: Winning the Leo Markize award and an award that saved the Air Force money
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: I'm currently working at the propulsion branch test cell and just got certified to run F-119 engines. I have worked on the B-52, RF4C, A-10, J75, J57, F-100, and now F-119. I also have a commercial instrument pilot rating.

325th Communications Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Communications Squadron

Name: Maria Swantek
Rank/Position: GS-05
Job title: Commander's secretary
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Time on Station: 3 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 6 months
Hobbies: Dancing, Puzzles
Goals: Master's degree in Clinical Psychology
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Location and friendly community
Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman
Favorite Book: The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
Proudest moment in the military/position: Awarded the Jan - March 2011 Civilian of the Quarter.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : Enhancing mission efficiency by monitoring the 325 CS commander's calendar. Ensuring internal coordination is tracked and all documents are of the highest quality and ready for signatures. Providing customer service and assisting 325 CS personnel with their daily duties. Performing trainings and assisting in coordinating squadron functions.

325th Civil Engineer Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Civil Engineer Squadron

Name: Macario Garcia
Rank/Position: Civilian
Job title: Chief Project Management (CEPM)
Hometown: Panama City, Fla.
Time on Station: 7 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 31 years (20 years active duty Air Force, 11 years Air Force civilian)
Hobbies: Chess, bowling, wing tsun
Goals: To stay fit through exercises or gym workouts and eat healthy foods
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Friendship of civilian and military personnel; also, Tyndall's great support to our military retirees
Favorite Movie: ---
Favorite Book: ---
Proudest moment in the military/position: No proudest moment, but I value my service and work experiences over 31 years with the same Air Force unit, the civil engineer squadron.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : My position is the Chief of Project Management Section, Programs Flight. Our section is responsible for developing and managing construction contracts to construct, improve, and maintain Tyndall facilities and infrastructures.
Additional Information: Currently deployed (volunteer) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as an Electrical Engineer in the Engineering Branch.

823rd REDHORSE Squadron

Squadron: 823rd REDHORSE Squadron, Det. 1

Name: Matasa Austin
Rank/Position: Staff sergeant /contingency instructor
Job title: Civil Engineer Operations Contingency Instructor
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Time on Station: 40 Months
Time in Service/Occupation: 7 years, 3 months/operations management
Hobbies: Volunteering/ working out
Goals: Pursue a Masters degree, continue to grow and develop as an Airman
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The beaches
Favorite Movie: Napoleon Dynamite/Talladega Nights
Favorite Book: Who Moved my Cheese?
Proudest moment in the military: My initial oath
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: To prepare Airmen for contingency operations.

325th Air Control Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Air Control Squadron

Name: James Thompson
Rank/Position: GS-07/Computer Assistant
Job title: Client Support Administrator (CSA)
Hometown: Woodstock, Ill.
Time on Station: One year
Time in Service/Occupation: Six months in current position, 16 years in various computer-related jobs, 11 years active duty Air Force
Hobbies: Biking, golf, cooking, and surfing (the Web)
Goals: Stay healthy, retire young, and enjoy life
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The weather... in the winter.
Favorite Movie: Any movie that is believable
Favorite Book: The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair
Proudest moment in the military/position: I played a key role in the design of the Shelter Medic program during War Readiness Exercises for all of U.S. Air Forces Europe.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: Maintaining computer operations and ensuring data integrity, which are vital elements of the 325th ACS training mission and essential for overall operations.

325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit Support

Name: Anthony Donal Short
Rank/Position: Senior Airman
Job title: Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Time on Station: 2 Years, 7 Months
Time in Service/Occupation: 3 Years, 3 Months
Hobbies: Tinkering and fixing things, home and car stereos
Goals: To earn my bachelor's degree and to see my kids succeed
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Performing maintenance on the F-22 Raptor and the unique challenges of maintaining a state of the art weapons system
Favorite Movie: 300
Favorite Book: Robert Heinlien's Stranger in a Strange Land
Proudest moment in the military/position: The day I got my name on AC 4044
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? Generate safe reliable F-22 sorties

Air Force Research Labratory Civilian

Squadron: Air Force Research Laboratory

Name: Dr. Glenn Johnson
Rank/Position: DR-III / Research Scientist
Job title: Principal Investigator - Microbiology & Applied Biochemistry
Hometown: Barrett, Minn.
Time on Station: 16 years
Time in Service/Occupation: 20 years
Hobbies: Golf & triathlon training (solely for recreation, both strokes need extensive refinement)
Goals: Be an effective mentor for my team and my colleagues - contribute to development of the next generation of portable power sources
Favorite things about Tyndall AFB: Gym & golf course
Favorite Movies: Fargo and Pulp Fiction
Favorite Book: Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis
Proudest moment in the military/position: Last September our team had back-to-back research articles featured on the covers of Advanced Functional Materials and Chemical Communications
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : Advance and develop technologies that improve the warfighter's safety and effectiveness

325th Medical Support Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Medical Support Squadron

Name: Emma Amos-Hannon
Rank/Position: Contractor
Job title: AHLTA Software Trainer
Hometown: Mobile, Ala.
Time on Station: 9 months
Time in Service/Occupation: In occupation 5 years; U.S. Navy for 20 years
Hobbies: Reading and walking
Goals: To earn my certifications as a trainer and implementation manager in the Healthcare Information Technology Industry
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Location (near hometown) and the spirit of working as a team within the 325th MDG
Favorite Movie: For Colored Girls
Favorite Book: Sisters by Danielle Steele
Proudest moment in the military/position: Position - helping medics achieve success in providing quality patient care through documentation of their electronic records.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: My role is to provide continuous and quality training on the Military Health Record Electronic System for the Defense Department.

325th Fighter Wing Military

Squadron: 325th Fighter Wing Command Post

Name: Paige Salvin
Age: 20
Rank: Airman 1st Class
Job title: Emergency Actions Controller
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Time on Station: 5 months
Time in Service: 9 months
Hobbies: Playing the piano, working out, and planning my wedding
Goals: To finish my degree before my 6-year enlistment is over, and then hopefully commission.
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The beach on base
Favorite Movie: Pearl Harbor
Favorite Book: Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain
Proudest moment in the military: I got certified to be a junior controller in the command post almost a month earlier than expected.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? Tracking senior leadership on Tyndall, carrying out orders from our Major Command and Higher headquarters, flight following, submitting OPREP's to higher headquarters, and notifying senior leadership of pertinent information for all incidents on Tyndall.

325th Comptroller Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Comptroller Squadron 325th Comptroller Squadron Military

Name: Deandra Proctor
Age: 23
Rank: Airman
Job title: Finance Customer Service Representative
Hometown: Barstow, Ca.
Time on Station: 6 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 1 year/Finance
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family playing board games
Goals: Air Force and personal goals that I have would be continue and finish education in the hope to become a physiologist
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The high morale that I have experienced on the base
Favorite Movie: The Lion King
Favorite Book: Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Proudest moment in the military: When my retired Army father cried at my basic training graduation
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : Insuring that all our members are paid accordingly while they are at home or away

325th Contracting Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Contracting Squadron 325th Contracting Squadron Military

Name: Benjamin Christian Nieto
Rank: Airman 1st Class
Job title: Contracting specialist
Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.
Time on Station: 8 months
Time in Service: 1 year
Hobbies: Snowboarding, soccer, reading, weight lifting, and road tripping
Goals: Short term goal is to make senior airman below-the-zone, my long term goal is to earn a masters degree and pension
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The beaches
Favorite Movie: Band of Brothers
Favorite Book: Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis Bio
Proudest moment in the military/position: Basic military training graduation
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : To properly solicit, procure, and administrate multi-faceted buys for the tenant support unit

325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Name: Kelley C. Tyre
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Lake Butler, Fla.
Time in Service: 8 years
Hobbies: Reading, swimming and hanging out with friends
Goals: Make a career of the Air Force and earn a nursing degree
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The people I work with and the beach
Favorite Movie: Sherlock Holmes
Favorite Book: Any book written by Kathy Reichs
Proudest moment in the military: Working in Labor & Delivery and helping bring newborns into the world
Job title and description: Aerospace Medical Technician and noncommissioned officer in charge of physical standards. I accomplish all Initial flying class physicals and preventive health assessments for flying personnel.

43rd Fighter Squadron Military

Squadron: 43rd Fighter Squadron 43rd Fighter Squadron Military

Name: Tony Peña
Rank/Position: Captain
Job title: Chief of training
Hometown: Laredo, Texas
Time on Station: 1 year, 4 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 8 years
Hobbies: Working out, traveling, cooking, camping and continuing my education
Goals: Travel to all the continents, earning multiple masters degrees and eventually having healthy children.
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Location, the beaches are beautiful and all the available outdoor activities.
Favorite Movie: Too many to name, but probably Pulp Fiction
Favorite Book: Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Proudest moment in the military/position: Flying combat missions over Afghanistan and controlling aircraft to support the troops on the ground.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? As chief of training at the 43rd, my main mission is to manage the instructor pilots ground and flying training events and currencies. Also, coordinate student training in the squadron: in-processing, syllabus progression, syllabus waivers, graduation, and out-processing.

325th Maintenance Operations Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Maintenance Operations Squadron

Name: Christina A. Backus
Rank/Position: Staff Sergeant/Inspector
Job title: Quality Assurance Munitions Inspector
Hometown: Prescott, Ark.
Time on Station: 3 years, 8 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 6 years, 8 months
Hobbies: Working out and reading
Goals: Masters degree in sports medicine, commissioning
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Definitely the beach!
Favorite Movie: Great Expectations
Favorite Book: The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Proudest moment in the military/position: Every day I'm proud to be in the military and have the opportunity to work in dynamic situations with a wide variety of people.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : My role is to ensure maintenance personnel use the tools and tech data that are available to them, while providing an in-depth look to upper supervision of the mission effectiveness of all maintenance units.

81st Range Control Squadron

Squadron: 81st Range Control Squadron

Name: Brent A. Wardrip
Rank/Position: Senior Airman
Job title: Weapons Director Technician
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Time on Station: 2 years and 2 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 2 years 11 Months/Command and Control Battle Management Operations
Hobbies: Guitar, Rugby, Football, Ultimate Frisbee, BBQing, and movies.
Goals: Long Term - Become a Commissioned Officer to fly in support of the USAF. Short Term - Earn a B.A. in Aeronautical Science.
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: There are many opportunities available both professionally and recreationally.
Favorite Movie: It's a tossup between Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Wayne's World.
Favorite Book: Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips.
Proudest moment in the military/position: Graduating Basic Military Training and Technical School.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : My role is to assist the 81st RCS in being responsible to the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group for technical and ground-controlled intercept support of USAF air-to-air force development evaluation programs to include the Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP) and other Defense Department weapons tests. Provides range control and flight safety to deployed and local flying units for over 330 live missile firings and 3,000 combat training and test sorties annually.

601st Air and Space Operations Center Military

Squadron: 601st Air and Space Operations Center

Name: Jose' Arturo Barrera, Jr.
Rank/Position: Staff Sergeant
Job title: Senior Air Defense Technician
Hometown: Laredo, Texas
Time on Station: 5 Years
Time in Service/Occupation: 10 and a half years
Hobbies: Electronic repair
Goals: Earn the rank of chief master sergeant
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Its close proximity to beaches
Favorite Movie: Amores Perros
Favorite Book: The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
Proudest moment in the military/position: Graduating basic military training in front of friends and family
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: Maintaining the air sovereignty of the United States as a participant in the noble eagle one mission.

325th Force Support Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Force Support Squadron 325th Force Support Squadron Military

Name: Samantha R. Hardin
Rank/Position: Senior Airman
Job Title: Dining Facility Shift Supervisor, Eagle Quick Turn (EQT) Flight Kitchen
Hometown: Kennett, Mo.
Time on Station: 4 years in April
Time in Service/Occupation: 4 years/Services Journeyman
Hobbies: Going to the beach, reading, crafty stuff
Goals: To finish my degree
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The location
Favorite Movie: The original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Gene Wilder version)
Favorite Book: I have a new one every week or so!
Proudest moment in the military/position: Winning Hennessy in 2008 was my proudest.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: To assist my team in ensuring the Eagle Quick Turn accomplishes the mission of feeding the flightline as smoothly as possible!

325th Medical Operations Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Medical Operations Squadron

Name: Airman 1st Class Monique Line
Rank/Position: E-3
Job title: Aerospace Medical Technician
Hometown: Clovis, Calif.
Time on Station: One year and three months
Time in Service/Occupation: One year and eleven months
Hobbies: Collecting key chains and journalism
Goals: Get my Community College of the Air Force degree and a bachelor's degree in psychology
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The beach
Favorite Movie: There are too many to choose from
Favorite Book: Anything from Dean Koontz
Proudest moment in the military/position: Passing the Emergency Medical Technician Registry test; I'm also extremely proud to be able to serve my country.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: Support the expeditionary Airmen through prevention, fitness and performance enhancement. Ensure comprehensive healthcare for all beneficiaries.

325th Operations Support Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Operations Support Squadron

Name: David Michael O'Connell
Rank/Position: Senior Airman
Job title: Air Traffic Controller
Hometown: Quincy, Ill.
Time on Station: Two years, seven months
Time in Service/Occupation: Three years, three months/Air Traffic Controller
Hobbies: Canoeing, camping, golf, soccer, softball, traveling
Goals: Get my Bachelors degree and become a millionare
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Being in Florida near the beach
Favorite Movie: The Departed
Favorite Book: Stiff by Mary Roach
Proudest moment in the military/position: Providing air traffic control for Air Force One.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission: Providing safe and expeditious flow of air traffic into and out of Tyndall and our assigned airspace to ensure air dominance training for the wing.

82nd Aerial Targets Squadron Military

Squadron: 82 ATRS 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron Military

Name: Harold Kunkel
Rank/Position: Master Sergeant
Job title: BQM-167A Logistics Chief
Hometown: Tamaqua, Pa.
Time on Station: Two years
Time in Service/Occupation: 18 years
Hobbies: diving, fishing, camping, hunting, sports, anything outdoors
Goals: complete my degree
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: proximity to the beach
Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction
Favorite Book: Huckleberry Finn
Proudest moment in the military/position: My first re-enlistment
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: provide testing and training to all air-to-air platforms in the United States Air Force

325th Security Forces Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Security Forces Squadron
Name: Matthew Hardin

Rank/Position: Airman 1st Class
Job title: Response force member
Hometown: Warner-Robins, Ga.
Time on Station: 16 Months
Time in Service/Occupation: 28 Months/Police officer
Hobbies: Welding, repairing vehicles and reading about airplanes
Goals: Obtain a degree in aerospace science
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The Airmen of Tyndall
Favorite Movie: "Dog Fights" televised on the History channel
Favorite Book: Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Proudest moment in the military/position: Arriving back in the States after successfully completing my first deployment to Iraq
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: Provide uncompromising security and law enforcement to Tyndall.

53rd Weapons Evaluation Group Military

Squadron: 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group

Name: Terri Watkins-Davis
Rank/Position: Master Sergeant
Job title: Group Training Manager
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Time on Station: 5 and a half years
Time in Service/Occupation: 20 years
Hobbies: All sports-particularly volleyball, track & field and basketball; Reading and spending time with my family.
Goals: To make chief master sergeant and continue to develop the next generation of Airmen towards strengthening our enlisted force structure.
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The amazing amount of support agencies and resources available to Airmen of all grades.
Favorite Movie: Happy Feet
Favorite Book: The Bible
Proudest moment in the military/position: Completing my personal and professional educational degrees; Promotion to master sergeant.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? My job is to ensure that all personnel within my unit stay fully trained, qualified and proficient in their perspective duty position, all while continuing to support the war on terror.

83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron Military

Squadron: 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron

Name: Gina Maiden
Rank/Position: Senior Airman
Job title: Computer Programmer
Hometown: Austin, Minn.
Time on Station: 9 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 4 years, 10 months
Hobbies: Going to the Beach, Painting
Goals: Making staff sergeant this year and earning my MSA in Software Engineering before 2015
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Knowing the positive impact I have on my squadron and the Air Force every day
Favorite Movie: I can't choose just one - Inception, Finding Nemo, Shoot'em Up!
Favorite Book: Dexter Series by Jeff Lindsay
Proudest moment in the military/position: Receiving the Commendation Medal
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : I support air-to-air Weapon System Evaluation Programs by creating real-time displays, recording data, and developing programs to analyze missile data

325th Maintenance Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Maintenance Squadron 325th Maintenance Squadron Military

Name: Jon Cole
Rank/Position: Staff Sergeant/Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman
Job title: Engine Test Cell Mechanic
Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C.
Time on Station: 4 Years, 1 Month
Time in Service/Occupation: 4 years, 5 months
Hobbies: Working on cars and playing video games
Goals: Buy a house, pay off vehicles, maximize my work proficiency/skill level and provide a foundation for a good retirement lifestyle
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Testing and troubleshooting jets/uninstall engines and the beaches
Favorite Movie: The Wash, Bad Boys II, Transformers, Boyz in the Hood, Hustle & Flow, State Property.
Favorite Book: The Longest Walk, Green Mile
Proudest moment in the military/position: Making senior Airman below-the-zone and making staff sergeant the first time
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: Giving the pilots safe engines to fly and train with

325th Communications Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Communications Squadron

Name: Jerry A. Adcox, Jr.
Rank/Position: Technical Sergeant
Job title: Base Publications and Forms Manager
Hometown: Spring Hope, N.C.
Time on Station: 3 years, 8 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 15 years
Hobbies: Golf, Traveling, Spending time with family
Goals: To have a master's degree before I retire
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The people
Favorite Movie: The Hangover
Favorite Book: Leading with the Heart by Mike Krzyzewski
Proudest moment in the military/position: My proudest moment was when one of the Airman that worked for me was selected for senior airman below-the-zone.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : I review Tyndall publications and forms to ensure that they comply with Air Force standards. Once they are in compliance, I submit them to the Air Force Departmental Publishing Office for posting on the e-publishing website. My office ensures that Team Tyndall is using the most current and accurate publications and forms to accomplish the mission.

325th Civil Engineer Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Civil Engineer Squadron

Name: Daniel Jernstedt
Rank/Position: Staff sergeant
Job title: Noncommissioned officer in charge, Emergency Management Operations
Hometown: Abington, Mass.
Time on Station: 4 years, 10 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 9 years
Hobbies: Working on my truck, playing softball
Goals: Earn my bachelor's degree, get my pilot's license
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: My flight
Favorite Movie: Scarface
Favorite Book: The Dirt (Motley Crue, Autobiography)
Proudest moment in the military/position:
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : Prepare for, respond to, recover from... all hazards.

325th Air Control Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Air Control Squadron 325th Air Control Squadron Military

Name: Amanda Love
Rank/Position: Senior Airman
Job title: Pilot simulator
Hometown: Ft. Hood, Texas
Time on Station: 1 year
Time in Service/Occupation: 1 year, 10 months/Aerospace control and warning systems technician
Hobbies: Anything outdoors like hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, hanging out at the beach, and volunteering whenever I can on and off base
Goals: To make staff sergeant my first time testing, complete both my Community College of the Air Force degree and a bachelor's degree in psychology and be ready to test for technical sergeant at my six-year mark
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: They offer college classes after work and on the weekends here at the Education Center
Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing
Favorite Book: Women of the Underworld Series
Proudest moment in the military/position: The day I graduated basic military training and realized I did it and am now a member of the Air Force
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : Train all United States Air Force active duty, air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve undergraduate air battle managers for the combat air forces, and train international officers in tactical operations.

325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Civilian

Squadron: 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Name: Melanie Hamm
Rank/Position: GS-07
Job title: Unit Program Coordinator
Hometown: Boone, N.C.
Time on Station: 9 months
Time in Service/Occupation: 9 months
Hobbies: Reading, watching sports, spending time with my kids
Goals: Complete a certification in Adult Education
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Living on the East Coast and having daily access to the beaches!
Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Favorite Book: The Notebook
Proudest moment in the military/position: Being selected by the AETC Inspector General as a Professional Performer during the Unit Compliance Inspection
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission? : Orchestrates five mission critical Commanders Support Staff programs in the 325th AMXS

Air Force Research Labratory Military

Squadron: Air Force Research Laboratory Air Force Research Labratory Military

Name: Christopher L. Genelin
Rank/Position: Captain
Job title: Chief, Engineering Mechanics Section
Hometown: Le Sueur, Minn.
Time on Station: 3 Years and 3 Months
Time in Service/Occupation: 8 Years/Developmental Engineer
Hobbies: Kayaking, Fishing, Motorcycling, Art
Goals: Obtaining a Ph.D. in Civil/Mechanical Engineering and earning my Professional Engineer (PE) certification.
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: Tyndall's ideal location on the Gulf of Mexico, and the year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Favorite Movie: Unforgiven with Clint Eastwood
Favorite Book: The Complete Joy of Home Brewing
Proudest moment in the military/position: Getting a personal thank you from the field for one of the "life saving" blast wall retrofits I designed.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: The mission of the Engineering Mechanics Section is to develop and apply advanced materials and predictive engineering models for engineered airbase structures. Specifically, our mission areas include airbase Blast and Ballistics Protection as well as Airfield Operating Surfaces.

325th Medical Support Squadron Military

Squadron: 325th Medical Support Squadron

Name: Kyle Bocus
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Job title: Clinical Laboratory Technician
Hometown: Laurel, Md.
Time on Station: 12 Months
Time in Service/Occupation: 8 Years
Hobbies: Soccer and computers
Goals: To earn my Community College of the Air Force degree and my bachelor's degree in computer science
Favorite thing about Tyndall AFB: The weather and the people
Favorite Movie: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Favorite Book: Zombie Survival Guide
Proudest moment in the military/position: Representing the Air Force in a Joint unit at Landstuhl Army Hospital.
What is your role in the Team Tyndall mission?: I perform diagnostic lab tests for Team Tyndall warriors, dependants and retirees. We are "ALL IN" to support the 325th Fighter Wing mission. We keep Team Tyndall healthy and well to fly, fight and win!

Tyndall Air Force Base