Meet Major Flamand Published Feb. 17, 2010 By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Born and raised in Warwick, R.I., Major Rich Flamand, 325 Maintenance Operations Squadron Commander, enlisted in the Air Force at 18 beginning his career as an engine troop who ended up taking command 20 years later. "I was just looking for some direction in life," said Major Flamand. "I said to myself, 'let me give the Air Force a try,' and I went to the recruiter at 18 and signed up that day." Major Flamand began his career at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and PCS'd to Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland and Royal Air Force Bentwaters, England serving as an enlisted engine troop for a bit over three years. He said he's very proud of his enlisted roots and thinks that has definitely helped him develop as an officer. He said his enlisted time allowed him to mature before he attended college ROTC at the University of Central Florida in 1995, where he received his bachelor's degree in business administration. Business became his calling; he also went on to complete his master's degree in the field and is currently working on his Ph.D., also in business administration. Since his commissioning, he has had the opportunity to be stationed at Nellis AFB, Nev., Sheppard AFB, Texas, and a favorite location of his, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. "I loved being overseas and it's a fantastic experience," said Major Flamand. "You have to learn to give up some of those (state-side) conveniences, but it's a great trade." Although he said Spangdahlem was a great location, he is also a fan of this area and says his favorite assignment is right here at Tyndall. "Anytime I can be south of I-10 it's a good thing," said Major Flamand. "I love the warm weather, and have been blessed (being assigned at) Eglin and Tyndall. I have no complaints about Tyndall; I've loved being here." When the commander is not busy with his squadron or his education, he enjoys the benefits of being stationed at Tyndall, spending a lot of time at the beach and exercising. But mostly his time is spent with his three kids. "If I'm not with my kids, I'm relaxing without them," said Major Flamand, "but I love going to the beach with the kids. I am a huge advocate of exercise such as bike riding, running and lifting and my children are very athletic; they are very much like their father. We play soccer, basketball, we bike ride and my oldest even jogs with me now." Major Flamand is the proud father of a son and two daughters; Easton who is eight, Lexi who is 10, and Cassi who is 12. "I would definitely encourage my children to join the Air Force, and if they ever have a discipline problem I might drive them to basic (military training) myself," the major said laughing. "I absolutely without a doubt love the Air Force, especially the camaraderie and tradition." Major Flamand began his command here of the 325th MOS in June 2008. He has 10 main goals for his squadron, but a few stand out above the rest; zero driving under the influences, lead two community service projects a year, have 100 percent of Airmen achieve 80 points or higher on their fitness test, and that the squadron holds three events a year to maintain high morale and a positive attitude. Major Flamand said he wants new Airmen to understand what we do here and why Tyndall is important to the Air Force mission. "It's important to know what our job is here at Tyndall," said Major Flamand. "And that we all contribute to the wing mission to train the best pilots to ensure Air Dominance. I would also encourage new Airmen to get involved in base activities and enjoy Tyndall." Major Flamand will relinquish command in June to head to Air Command and Staff College for a year at Maxwell AFB, Ala.