Meet the new 375th AMDS commander Published June 24, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Erica Holbert-Siebert 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Illinois -- Lt. Col. Thomas Massa, the new 375th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Commander, assumed command June 15. The New York native started his Air Force career out as an enlisted member. Massa is enthusiastic about joining the Team Scott family and looks forward to leading Airmen that exhibit dedicated patient care and excellence, both on and off duty. Q: What led you to join the Air Force? A: Like others before me, I joined the Air Force as an enlisted member for the opportunity to attend college and see the world. The Air Force has offered me the chance to do both. I used tuition assistance, attended the Bootstrap Program and utilized the GI Bill to fund my Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. Additionally, I have been fortunate to have been stationed in Europe and the Pacific, as well as having temporary duty assignments to several other garden spots around the world during deployments throughout my career. I could not have scripted a better life and I am so thankful to the Air Force for providing me with these opportunities. Q: What is your favorite Air Force memory? A: That's a really tough question because I have so many great memories which all stem around the amazing people I have befriended throughout my career. I've gained many lifelong friends who share common values and experiences and that's the best memory anyone can have, in my opinion. Q: What is your favorite part about being a commander? A: My favorite part of being a commander is being afforded the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives, thus enabling us to support the objectives and mission of our Air Force and this great nation. Q: What can 375th AMDS Airmen expect from you? A: My Airmen can expect that I will be dependable, honest, and direct and will always do what's right for the collective whole, while providing fair and consistent leadership, but have fun doing it. Additionally, I will always treat people with dignity and respect and encourage open communication. Q: What advice do you have for them? A: My advice to my Airmen is to "own it"--be accountable for their actions and to always provide their very best effort both in their personal and professional lives. Also, to steal a quote from my mentor, "put your mother's face on it" when providing customer service and patient care. Q: What do you look forward to the most? A: I look forward to the opportunity to lead the 375th AMDS, joining the Team Scott family and the establishment of new friendships. Q: Who is your hero and why? A: I actually have two heroes. The first is my father. He taught me to always do the right thing; to value others and help them whenever I can; to plan ahead, work hard, and do my best in any situation; to be a lifelong learner; to smile and keep a sense of humor even when things get really tough; and to love, support, and protect my family. Second is my high school vocational teacher, Mr. Novak. As a prior Air Force officer he inspired me to join the Air Force because of how he demonstrated leadership and instilled the values of "Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do," long before it was published in the "Little Blue Book." Q: What was your previous assignment? Where do you claim as your hometown? A: Previously I was assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia as the Air Combat Command Surgeon General Aerospace Operational Physiology Command Consultant and the 633rd Medical Group Aerospace Physiology Flight Commander. I was born in Queens, New York, way back when, but call East Meadow, New York on Long Island as my hometown. Go Islanders!