Meet the 325th FSS commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dustin Mullen
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Lead by example -- a phrase repeated often but not always followed.  A new squadron commander at Tyndall plans to breathe new life into the phrase.

"I believe in leading by example," said Maj. John Zulauf, 325th Force Support Squadron commander. "If I'm to expect my Airmen to strive for a higher level of excellence in everything they do, then it's my duty to show the Airmen that I'm up for the challenge myself."

Zulauf dreamed of joining the Air Force as a child and followed those dreams.

"For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to join the Air Force," said Zulauf. "I wanted to follow in my grandfather's footsteps."

The Torrington, Wyo. native graduated from the small town's high school with a class of 132; the largest class in Torrington's history at the time. He then went on to the University of Wyoming where he studied history education.

"I joined the Air Force and went personnel. There is a military personnel flight everywhere," he said. "I wanted to see the world."

Zulauf and his wife, Marisa, are looking forward to their time at Tyndall with their 14-month-old daughter.

"We are excited to join Team Tyndall," he said. "There's a lot that both Tyndall and the local communities have to offer, and we are eager to be a part of it all." 

With his wife in a similar career field, Zulauf works hand-in-hand with the love of his life, coming up with great ideas together to help better the Airmen and their families.

"She grew up in an Air Force family. Her father was in personnel and services. As a kid she played at the youth center, and her college internship was working throughout Ramstein Air Base, Germany, services flights. Now, she's a manpower analyst, so she knows the business, and we work great as a team," he stated. "She's my rock, and I'm very fortunate to have her in my life.  Her passion to help Airmen and their families is as strong as mine."

When not working, Zulauf enjoys spending time with his family.

"They are my everything," He reflects. "I enjoy every moment with them, and I would not be able to do what I do without their support."

Zulauf's dedication to family goes beyond blood and into the Air Force family.

"I see our squadron and every member in it as family," he said. "And that includes their spouses, children, parents and even the friends they keep close by."

Zulauf also spends a lot of time participating in endurance sports such as marathon running and triathlons.

"I really enjoy long distance running," he explained. "It's a stress reliever.  I don't listen to music while I run; it's my time to just think."

As he settles into his new role in the 325th FSS, Zulauf keeps his hopes high for the outstanding Airmen in his charge.

"I want to truly take an already fantastic squadron, and make it even better," he stated. "I am all about how we can better achieve our mission in supporting our Airmen and their families.  I'm open to any suggestions on how we can help accomplish this.  I want to hear the Airmen's voice."