Don’t let the Guard down

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Many Active Duty members may be considering separating and are not sure of their options. Here at Tyndall there are a number of alternate choices, including the Air National Guard.

According to the ANG website, if a prior service member has honorably served, the Air Guard is proud to take them in and make them one of their own.

Master Sgt. Topeka Blackwell, 325th Force Support Squadron ANG in-service recruiter, is here to help all Airmen who are contemplating pursuing the Palace Chase and Palace Front programs.

"Palace Chase is for members who would like to separate before the end of their service commitment and Palace Front is for those who have fulfilled their service and want to transfer into the Guard," said Blackwell, a native of Georgia and a member of the South Caroline ANG.

Blackwell, initially, was a member of the Reserves.

"Initially, I joined the Air Force Reserves to complete school," she said. "But, I discovered I was more interested in being a local hometown hero, so I switched to the Guard."

She has now been in service for 18 years and a recruiter for seven.

"I have been at Tyndall for a year recruiting Active Duty members, both enlisted and officers," said Blackwell. "I'm here to inform them about the ANG opportunities."

She said the people are what make her job so rewarding.

"I love meeting new people with their different stories and different reasons for wanting to separate," said Blackwell.

She also enjoys explaining the uniqueness of the Guard.

"We have the federal mission, which is to back fill Active Duty, and the state mission, which is to protect our state," said Blackwell. "We fall under the President and our state Governor, who can call upon us for missions, such as natural disaster response."

Additionally, the ANG is available nation-wide.

"I can assist members in finding a home in any of the states or territories," said Blackwell. "Several even have multiple units. You don't have to be from, or live in, the area to join the unit."

Finally, she explained some of the benefits.

"Enlisted members who are interested in becoming officers, may join ROTC and affiliate with the ANG while working on their commission," said Blackwell. "Also, the ANG has monetary bonuses and a GI Bill Kicker, an additional amount of money for school, for several enlisted and officer Air Force Specialty Codes."

Those who have visited her office and sought guidance have found her services very helpful.

"My experience with Master Sgt. Blackwell has been very pleasant," said Staff Sgt. Keri Wilder, Air Forces Northern NCO in charge of current operations for aerospace control and warnings systems. "She is very helpful with questions and advice when it comes to my decision to try and transition from Active Duty into the Guard. She has been able to ease some of the stress that comes with any huge life change."

Blackwell's office is located on the main floor of building 662, next to the housing office, and is open Monday through Friday 7:30-4:30 p.m. To reach her by phone, call (850) 283-4701 during duty hours and (850) 532-2129 after hours.

"So, if you see a smiling female face in blues, feel free to ask me any questions," concluded Blackwell.