August Spotlight: Master Sgt. Anthony Johnson

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeremy Roman
  • 301st Fighter Wing

Q: How long have you been with the 301st?

A: I’ve been with the 301st since late 2008 after nearly 8 1/2 years of Active Duty.

 

Q: What does your job entail?

A:  I’m responsible for notifying and tracking all 301st members who need components of the Transition Assistance Program. I reach out to both members and leadership to ensure they are informed of the federally-mandated TAP requirements and to guide them, step-by-step, through the process of TAP completion. I also assist my Airmen and Family Readiness Director, Mr. Scott Palomino, in providing the absolute best care and support to both airmen, and their family members. We have a variety of programs here, such as disaster/crisis support, personal financial readiness, work-life skills development, exceptional family member support, employment and relocation assistance, deployment support, and providing volunteer resources and opportunities. 

 

Q: How does this program help Airmen?

A:  TAP is for any Airman that goes on orders for 180 consecutive days or more, regardless if that’s home-station or deployment/temporary duty. TAP was designed to primarily assist Active Duty Airmen who were transitioning from active military service to being a full-time civilian. TAP consists of Pre-Separation counseling, a Transition and Department of Labor workshop, a Veterans Affairs briefing, and a Capstone review, which verifies that an Airman has completed all components of their TAP and met all the Career Readiness Standards (CRS). TAP provides Airmen with resources and information to better equip them to meet the challenges of civilian life.  For traditional reservists, who more than likely are returning to a full-time civilian job or are a full-time student after their orders end, TAP gives them a chance to re-evaluate their current career/educational track. It prompts and guides members to sometimes take a step back and explore different job opportunities, educational goals, or to even look at certifications or educational experiences which they can use to excel in their current civilian career field.

 

Q: What did you want to do as a kid?

A: I had quite a few different aspirations as a kid.  At one point, I wanted to become a youth pastor.  I was always fascinated with the concept of good versus evil and superheroes and I knew that I wanted to be a “defender” in some capacity as an adult.   

 

Q: Why did you join the military?

A: I joined the military for a few different reasons.  I felt like I also needed to prove a few things to myself and also wanted to just get out of my small hometown. I wanted to be a part of a team that I could be proud of and one that is looked upon with respect and honor. My grandfather was a WWII vet and he always wanted a grandchild who served in the military. I wanted to take up that torch and make him proud.

 

Q: What is your favorite part of the job?

A: My favorite part of the job is that moment when someone walks into our office at Airman and Family Readiness. It’s all about that person and their needs. We don’t turn anyone away and if we don’t have the resources or answers, I know that we will find someone who does. I work with some truly great people and our office is about the support and care of our Airmen and their families. That is our mission and I am honored to do that.

 

Q: What are your career goals?

A: Well, I just finished my Master’s Degree in Christian Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and am out here as the full-time TAP Manager right now. My goal is to continue to support Mr. Palomino and our team and to learn as much from Scott as I can. I’m a firm believer that life is never a straight line. God hasn’t always taken me and my family from point A to point B. It’s always been a step of faith here and a step of faith there and relying on Christ to carry us through life’s trials and challenges. I’d like to get my teaching certification through Troops to Teachers and down the road transition into either a civilian position working with the military or to teach in either a public or Christian school. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology so I’ve also considered physical education or even coaching. Right now, I enjoy coming home and just being a husband and father to my wife and kids.

 

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I love playing videogames with my son and having family movie night with the wife and kids.  I also love working out and fitness.  I’m a big superhero fan and collect A LOT of superhero action figures and statues (probably way more than the wife would like).

 

Q: What is something people might not know about you?

A: I love animals and have a dog named Dux, (named after Frank Dux in the movie Bloodsport). I also have another dog named Ghost, a gargoyle gecko named Galaga (after the videogame) and a crested gecko named Link (after the character in the Legend of Zelda).  

 

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: I would like to add that I have 18 years of military service as a security forces member and am both extremely proud of that and of my fellow defenders over at the 301st SFS.

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