Unexpected turn leads to dedication to inform

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Making the decision to conclude an active duty career can come as an easy one, a long thought out one, or for some, completely unexpected.

Whatever the circumstances, the transition does not have to be abrupt.

For Master Sgt. Jeffrey Walker, Air Force Reserve recruiter, the wide range of benefits available to him for working part time in the AF Reserves were something he didn't find out about until after he was completely separated from active duty.

After spending seven years as an active duty member, he was affected by force shaping in 2007 and was directed to separate. With a baby on the way, it was a financial turmoil in the making for Walker. 

"I was initially not interested in the Air Force Reserves, seeing no benefit to just a 'part time' job," said Walker. "After being told I was being forced to leave, I was also very negative towards the Air Force for a while."

Shortly after separating, his wife gave birth, during which time Walker found himself unemployed for almost a year.

"It was a very big financial strain to have to care for a new baby," said Walker. "It made me realize just how good being in the Air Force had been and I quickly realized that I wanted to regain what I had lost."

Knowing there would be no chance of going back into active duty, he decided to go and speak with an Air Force Reserve unit in his residency of Florida to see what they had to offer. It was that moment he learned of all the opportunities within the Air Force Reserve.

"They explained the benefits, employment opportunities, and regained pride I would have by putting the uniform on again," said Walker.

The in-service Air Force Reserve recruiter at the base where he separated wasn't as informative as he'd hoped so what he learned was news to him. He found out about air reserve technician employment, or full-time active positions. As soon as Walker was qualified, his recruiter quickly worked to help him find a position at a unit.

"I was very surprised by the family-like atmosphere of the unit I was assigned to," said Walker. "My new Reserve family took me under their wing and did everything they could to assist me with feeling welcome, along with pursuing my goals of building a new career for myself."

Once a part of the Reserve, Walker said he quickly regained his life focus and has prospered ever since. The experience he had just gone through helped shape his goals and gave him the drive to become a recruiter in order to educate people separating from active duty.

"Through the Air Force Reserve I have had opportunities to improve myself personally and professionally through career development, travel, speaking engagements, and other ways of expanding my career," said Walker.

Having seen the importance of letting everyone know their full range of options, he now strives to make outreaches to the Air Force community, as well as members of the joint services.

"I believe the Air Force Reserve has great options for anyone who is looking for a flexible career with many of the same opportunities and benefits of serving active duty," said Walker. "I do my best to be available as a resource for those in need of further assistance."

Since becoming a recruiter he has seen many instances of Airmen leaving active duty without a plan and later facing hardships such as his, or worse.

"Many times people shut down when deciding to leave the Air Force and don't take time to consider the many opportunities associated with being a reservist," said Walker.

The best advice he has for Airmen transitioning is to make contact with their In-Service recruiter as soon as they begin to consider leaving active duty and to find out if they are going to be qualified to join the Reserve.

"Many people have a misconception that they will not have a substantial retirement and that there is no benefit to continuing to serve as a reservist," he said. "As a reservist you keep many of the same benefits you have on active duty like tuition assistance, exchange, commissary, Space A travel, retirement, thrifts savings plan and more."

The Reserve gives Airmen the opportunity to keep their investment to the Air Force while still pursuing personal goals.

"Many times these benefits and association can make a difference in well-being, finances, and career satisfaction in both the immediate and distant future," said Walker.

In looking back, Walker wishes he had taken more time to educate himself on the flexibility the Air Force Reserve brings. Straight out of active duty he wishes he could have kept all his military documents which would have saved him time on paperwork.

"Today this is more important as ever due to requirements in credit checks, security clearances, and medical qualifications," he said. "Many times applicants will find themselves disqualified if they separate and get into financial trouble or have medical problems come up."

At the end of the day, he wants Airmen to know of the flexibility of being able to make a reserve career what they want.

Whether for working part time or pursuing full time employment in the Reserves, Walker said he will assist anyone looking to transition from active duty.

Individuals assigned to Misawa interested in joining the Air Force Reserve can contact Walker at Jeffrey.walker.12@us.af.mil or call DSN 315-225-6388.