Meet Major Farmer-Hill Published Dec. 16, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Commander follows military heritage, to find rewarding career in Air Force Finance. Born in Killeen, Texas, Major Ericka Farmer-Hill, 325th Comptroller Squadron Commander, is a third-generation servicemember. Her grandfather was in the Air Force and her father served in the Army. She spent several years of her youth living in Panama and Germany. However, she, her two brothers and mother eventually settled in North Carolina, where her dad joined them after his retirement. During high school, Major Farmer-Hill participated in track and softball. She also met her future husband. "He was a year ahead of me in school," said Major Farmer-Hill. "I was 16 and he was 18. We actually met working at Wendy's together." He went on to attend the University of North Carolina in Greensboro to earn a teaching degree. She was not far behind. Major Farmer-Hill enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. "He does not know it, but I planned it that way," said Major Farmer-Hill. "He went first and I followed." She spent four years in the Air Force ROTC program and also became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Major Farmer-Hill graduated with a degree in Marketing, married her husband and began her journey in the Air Force as a Financial Management Officer. "I didn't choose this career, the Air Force did," said Major Farmer-Hill. "My first two choices were contracting and public affairs. However, I think they chose wisely. Finance is very rewarding and I like this career field a lot." During her 11 years in the Air Force, she has been stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Langley AFB, Va., Luke AFB, Ariz., Randolph AFB, Texas, and here. During her assignment at Randolph AFB she took a break in Finance. "At my last duty assignment, Randolph, I worked in the Commander Action Group for Gen. (William) Looney, (former Air Education and Training Commander)" said Major Farmer-Hill. "Then, I switched over to work as the Deputy Director of Staff for General (Stephen)Lorenz(current AETC Commander). I loved working on staff; it was a great opportunity to see how decisions are made." Major Farmer-Hill has not decided on her favorite base so far. She plans on at least making it to her 20-year mark in the Air Force and said her retirement depends on where she is and her family's needs. "After I finally retire I would like to relax," said Major Farmer-Hill. "I have also considered teaching business to high school students and becoming a financial planner." Outside of work, Major Farmer-Hill is very family oriented. "My husband is a fifth grade teacher at Tyndall Elementary school and we have two children," said Major Farmer-Hill. "We have a seven year old daughter, Navaeh, which is heaven spelled backwards. We also have a two year son named El-Shaddai, which means God is power." The family are active Christians who attend church in the local area. "I like family fun things," said Major Farmer-Hill. "We just recently went to Disney World. Spending time with my family is my main hobby." She also enjoys the movies, shopping and watching sports. But for now, her concentration is on preparing her squadron for the ever-changing financial environment. "Our goal is to stay in front of changes and continue providing great customer service. She said she has been lucky with her first command. "I could not be in a better position," said Major Farmer-Hill. "I took control of a great squadron; they are all focused and overall enthusiastic about being in the Air Force and their career field. It makes it easy to be in command." Her requirements for her Airmen are simple. "My expectations are teamwork, integrity, and know and understand your job responsibilities," said Major Farmer-Hill. "You are coming into a great organization; be proud of that." For more information on the 325th Comptroller Squadron click here.