This article features SerMae Scindian
Joining the Air Force in 2004 was a challenge for me since I’m the youngest in a large close-knit family, but I wanted to learn photography, gain independence and travel. After basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, I attended tech school at Fort George G. Meade Army Base in Maryland where I received an education and became an Air Force Multi-Media Photographer.
Upon completion of tech school, I arrived at my duty station at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota with a Top-Secret clearance. I became a part of the 319th Communications Squadron which later merged with Public Affairs, and I became a Public Affairs Photographer with the 319th Air Refueling Wing.
During my Air Force career, I captured over 200,000 images; recorded unit history and documented achievements. I photographed individuals, families, small groups, and significant DOD, HQ, USAF, AMC, Joint Combat Camera Center, 18th AF and 319th ARW events. I documented crime scenes, criminal evidence, personal remains, and cases of vandalism and domestic abuse which served as support for security forces and OSI.
There was an additional duty of maintaining the position of Equipment Custodian and Records Management for thousands of dollars of Air Force multimedia equipment. During base exercises I assisted 319th LRS with pallet building and pre-deployment briefings.
In between the various job duties I received my CCAF in Audio-Visual Production and began working on my master’s degree in Human Resources. Then I became the NCOIC of photography as a Senior Airman by taking on the responsibilities of a 7-level including in a deployed location.
I captured and edited over 5,000 photos, covered over 100 events throughout deployed location at Kirk Air Base in Iraq—compelling imagery told Air Force’s story to the public and preserved wartime history. During my deployment I skillfully captured photos that sparked a CNN visit and Headline News feature.
I documented the “Mother Replaces Son on Kirkuk’s front lines” ESFS (Security Forces Squadron) deployment. Photographed Iraqi police, fire fighters, waste management, and vehicle maintenance training, highlighting AF’s role in rebuilding Iraq.
2008 was the year I survived completion of my development, got married, and ended my active duty service with the Air Force. Although there were some mental and emotional challenges, involved with the choice to separate I was still optimistic about my future endeavors.
Things didn’t go as planned but each job choice has kept me connected to the military, even after moving to Delaware in 2010. Volunteering at the Air Mobility Museum I had the chance to interact with senior veterans to learn about their service.
Working as a Child/Youth Program Assistant (Caregiver) at the base Child Development Center, I was able to care for and teach future generations of military families. As a Realtor, I guided people (including military families) through the journey of finding they ideal home. Currently, I’m the Administrative Assistant to the Director at the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs/Office of Veterans Services.
Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine