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Reserve to the rescue

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  With force reduction programs in full swing, many Airmen face an uncertain future. But, there is now an Air Force Reserve recruiter on base to present them with alternative options.

Master Sgt. Geovanny Govea, 325th Force Support Squadron reserve recruiter, joined the Air Force in 2001 as an Active Duty security forces member.

"I joined right out of high school," said Govea, a Lumberton, Texas, native with roots in Ecuador. "I wanted to do something exciting and thrilling and have a positive change in my life."

Govea was the first generation in his biological family to join the U.S. military and his brothers quickly followed. He was also the first to receive his citizenship.

"My stepmom's father was in the Air Force, and he had all these great stories," said Govea. "My father was also a big motivator. He wanted the best for me."

After completing his initial enlistment, Govea separated from the Air Force for a few years and perused fitness modeling.

"It was an exciting experience, but the money wasn't coming in," he said. "During that time, I also married, inherited a son and had another one on the way. My father-in-law asked me if I had ever considered the Reserves."

So, he joined and a few years later volunteered to deploy.

"I went to Balaad Air Base, Iraq for four months," said Govea. "It was there I realized I wanted to help people, and I wanted to be a recruiter. I wanted to teach people all about the Reserves, and the flexibility and the opportunities."

He said what he likes most about the job is the initial interview.

"I get to ask people about their goals, what they have going on in their lives, what are your strengths and weaknesses, about their failures, their personality types, how they like to be mentored and how they like to be coached," said Govea. "This way, I know if they are good candidates and a good fit for the Reserves."

His main goal at Tyndall is to help people separating from Active Duty through the Palace Chase and Palace Front programs.

"We value them a little bit more because we have already invested time and money in them," said Govea. "We have already sent them through basic training and technical school."

For those making the switch, he suggested they come in at least six months in advance.

"Master Sgt. Govea was very eager to help," said Senior Airman Christopher Reel, 325th Fighter Wing public affairs photojournalist, facing possible involuntary separation. "There wasn't a job opening where I was looking but, he said he would put a call in for me. He isn't easily deterred and is a great person to have on your side."

Govea said he was just doing his job.

"We are there to catch them," said Govea. "They spend all this time in active duty, training under stress and under pressure. We are there to say we got you back. You have invested all this time; you are part of the family. We got you."

He is also available for civilians in the area as well.

Among the programs the Reserves offers are Traditional Reservist, working one weekend a month, two weeks a year, Individual Mobilization Augmentee, working the required time in one lump sum, or Active Guard Reserve, full-time positions.
Also a possibility is the Air Reserve Technician program, which can only be applied for from a traditional reservist slot, but offers a job as a civil servant as well as a reservist.

Additionally, there is also an officer program called Scroll, which prevents a break in service.

"It's all case by case," said Govea. "What does the individual want? Do they want to go to college full-time and finish school? Do they have a civilian job lined up?"

Govea's office is located in building 662, room 154, on the bottom floor and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. He can be reached during office hours at (850) 283-8384 and after hours at (850) 554-9022.

"I don't like to pressure anyone," said Govea. "I am just here to help them understand the Reserves. It is one of the best kept secrets. There are so many opportunities."