Meet Maj. Lecours Published Feb. 1, 2011 By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Born in Hartford, Conn., and raised in Lake Stevens, Wash., his father was a police officer, and his mother, a foster parent, he had an inclination to serve from a young age. "I have two brothers and a sister," said Maj. Andre Lecours, 325th Maintenance Squadron commander. "Other than a four year tour my dad did in the U.S. Navy, I am the only person from my family associated with the military." From a young age, he was always active in sports. "While I was in high school I concentrated on wrestling," said Major Lecours. "I was a state champion in Washington and a high school All-American. I was also on several national teams that traveled to different countries to wrestle; I was on teams that went to Canada, China, Colombia, and Venezuela." He was also a member of the Air Force wrestling team earlier in his military career. Major Lecours began his Air Force career as an enlisted Airman. "I joined the military because I wanted to be a part of something important and serve my country," Major Lecours said. "I also wasn't ready to go to college right out of high school." But, he eventually decided to return to school. "I went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and earned my bachelor's degree in Aeronautics while I was enlisted," said Major Lecours. "I chose Embry-Riddle because it allowed me the flexibility to work on my degree while I was still working full time as an Airman and a noncommissioned officer." Since joining the Air Force, Major Lecours has had an array of assignments. "I have been lucky to be at mostly great assignments," Major Lecours said. "My favorite base before Tyndall was Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. It was a great place to work and there are a lot of things to do off duty. I have always wanted to be stationed out West closer to my family, but the Air Force has kept me mostly south and east my entire career." Major Lecours has been serving for more than a quarter century. "My career goals have always been to do my best in whatever position I am in," said Major Lecours. "Twenty-six years ago as an airman basic just out of basic military training, I would have never guessed that one day I would be a squadron commander." The 325th MXS is his first command. "I look forward to working with squadron members to get to know them and help them get the mission done," Major Lecours said. "I expect MXS Airmen to do the right thing and do their best. We all know what is expected from us, we need to live up to those expectations." Major Lecours hasn't given much thought to what he will do after he retires. "I don't have a solid plan yet," said Major Lecours. "I guess I am in denial that I will have to leave the Air Force one day." But, when Major Lecours is not working, he enjoys exercising, spending time outdoors, fishing, riding all-terrain vehicles and spending time with his family. "I have been happily married for 24 years," Major Lecours said. "We have a daughter attending Utah State University, studying to be a veterinarian. We also have a 16 year old son; he is a sophomore in high school. He is following in my footsteps and is on the high school wrestling team." Between family and work, Major Lecours is constantly striving to be an example of commitment and perseverance. "The greatest piece of advice I could give Airmen is to give 100 percent effort to everything you do while always trying to improve," said Major Lecours. "If you give 100 percent to everything, whether it is a class, a work task, writing an enlisted performance report, being a supervisor or anything else, you will be a success." For more information on the 325th Maintenance Squadron, click here.