Meet Maj. Adams Published Aug. 31, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Born in Vicksburg, Mich., and raised on a grain and pork farm with four brothers and three sisters, there was never a shortage of work to be done. "From a young age, I earned money by working on the farm," said Maj. Jeffrey Adams, 325th Security Forces Squadron commander. "Anything from mowing lawns, shoveling manure, to driving large pieces of machinery associated with tending crops." In addition to farm duties, Major Adams' adventurous rural childhood consisted of lots of fishing and hunting for fun. "The little time I had to myself, I liked to duck hunt and fish," he added. "I also had a small boat and caught wild shiners and sold them to the bass fishermen in tournaments." "After the age of nine, my parents became "snow birds" and we began to travel to Florida to visit for one to four months every year," Major Adams said. "I ended up going to two different schools each year from age 11 until high school graduation." At the young age of 17, Major Adams graduated from high school and began his career in the military. "When I was 16 my folks asked me if I wanted to go to college or go in the military," said Major Adams. "At that time I wanted nothing to do with more school. The only thing I wanted to be was a police officer." Major Adams said most states had a prerequisite, at that time, that you had to be 21 years of age or older before becoming a police officer. So, he decided to enlist and after his enlistment, he would be of age to serve on the police force. "Within six months I was enrolled in my first college class and I never looked back," Major Adams said. "Over the next 19 years I kept plugging away at school. I eventually earned an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, an Associate of Arts in management, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and a Master of Arts in Security Management." None of which were easy to attain while working full time, but the reward was well worth it, he noted. "It was a long road, but something I am proud of," said Major Adams. "I enjoy sharing education tips and motivating fellow Airmen on how to balance mission and education. Where else can you go to school for free and at the same time earn G.I. benefits for more school once our service commitment is over? It doesn't get any better than that!" Since joining the U.S. Air Force, Major Adams' travels have taken him all over the globe. "I have had a really great career," Major Adams said. "Tyndall is my 11th assignment and I have traveled to well over 30 countries. I have loved every location that I have been stationed ... no single one stands out as better than the other." This is Major Adams first command, but said he is excited to leave a lasting impression on the Centurions. "I look forward to getting up in front of my people every day, leading, recognizing, and mentoring them," said Major Adams. "I like to share experiences and learn from them while at the same time rally the unit towards an end goal of excellence in all we do. I expect every Airman to always give 100 percent and do their best no matter what the job. It could be taking out the trash or taking down an active shooter. We all have different levels of abilities, but if each of us always gives our personal best, the rest will take care of itself." Major Adams has no plans for retirement anytime in the near future. "My end goals are still cloudy, but I know I want to earn the opportunity to wear lieutenant colonel and stay in the Air Force at least 28 years," Major Adams said. "With my prior enlisted time I could stay in for 41 active duty years, but I'm not sure I'm up for that. Leading defenders down range with a cane and backpack may be tough....time will tell." But, when the time does come for Major Adams to say farewell to the Air Force he said he hopes to teach online classes from a fishing boat, in-between catching lots of fish. Major Adams has three sons, Nik who is 20, Ty who is 18 and Garrett who is ten. "All three of them are the best thing that ever happened to me," said Major Adams. "Garrett resides in Prattville, Ala. and is in the fifth grade. Ty is in the delayed enlistment program pending entry into the Air Force with a job reservation as a pararescueman and Nik is a junior at Angelo State University in Texas." In his free time, Major Adams said he enjoys spending time with his sons, enjoying good food and conversation, and fishing as time permits. He takes each day one at a time and hopes to make the best out of all of them. "We are all going to have easy days and tough days, know this and embrace it," he said. "There is an optimistic way to look at everything, even tragedies, disappointments and shortfalls. With the proper attitude and approach, there are really no bad days, just some days that are better than others. Make everyday a good day." For a closer look at the 325th Security Forces Squadron, click here.