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Meet the new 375th Security Forces Squadron commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
7/23/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- --  Lt. Col. Andrew Resch assumed command of the 375th Security Forces Squadron on July 7. Originally from St. Cloud, Minnesota, he came to Scott from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, where he was the 823rd Base Defense Squadron Commander.
As a commander, he looks forward to changing Airmen's lives for the better and making a difference.

Q: What led you to joining the Air Force?

A: I've always wanted to be in the military, ever since I was a little kid and saw the Air National Guard C-130s flying over our farm in Minnesota. My brother and I would hear them coming, then we would run outside to watch the formation fly by. Following in several family member's footsteps, I joined the Army and jumped out of those same planes I saw as a boy. While stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., I had a close friend who was in the Air Force at nearby Pope Air Force Base. He sold the Air Force to me. Once I completed my enlistment, I joined Air Force ROTC at Kansas State University. It was clearly the best choice.

Q: What is your favorite Air Force memory?

A: My favorite memory was at Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, just after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It was a tragic time with many tense days to follow. My job as a SFS Flight Commander took on a whole new meaning. I was proud of how my flight pulled together in the midst of terror. Immediately, we all refocused with a renewed sense of dedication, compassion, and cooperation. We became a much more cohesive and high performing team. I believe refocusing on the "why" will guide anyone through difficult times or times where performance is fading.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a commander?

A: Being in a position to positively influence my Airmen is my favorite part of being a commander. In 2009, I was fortunate to hear Andy Andrews speak about the "Butterfly Effect" at a commander's conference. Essentially his message was how we can make a difference that can have positive effects to last generations. It is based on a 1963 presentation Edward Lorenz made to the New York Academy of Sciences. Lorenz's theory, called the "Butterfly Effect," stated that a butterfly could flap its wings and set air molecules in motion that, in turn, would move other air molecules-which would then move additional air molecules--eventually becoming able to influence weather patterns on the other side of the planet. That theory was debunked, but Andy Andrews applied that theory to normal, ordinary people, who in one moment in time can make a difference that has a tremendous positive impact for generations--the Butterfly Effect. I believe we all are in a position to make a positive/life-changing impact on others.

Q: What can 375th Security Forces Squadron Airmen expect from you?

A: They can expect that I will hold them to a high standard. That standard is certainly achievable. I set the bar high, so it is uncomfortable, but when they get there, it will be a much more meaningful accomplishment. Integrity first, have excellence as your minimum standard, be a team player and maintain balance in your life.

Q: Who is your hero or mentor and why?

A: My Dad--during difficult times in my life, he has steadily been there for me providing wisdom and guidance. The older I have gotten, the smarter he has become ... it's amazing how that works. I can still remember some of the things he said when I was a kid that are more influential for me today than when he said them when I was a kid.

Q: What was your favorite past assignment? Why?

A: The 820th Base Defense Group, Moody AFB, Ga. I was stationed there as a lieutenant and then 11 years later as a squadron commander. It was exciting to see how the base and mission has changed and also coming back to be the commander of the first unit I was assigned. That was also the unit I was with during 9/11, which has some special memories of coming closer together as a team during a time of tragedy.

Q: Do you have anything else you would like to add?

A: Security Forces is sometimes seen as inconveniencing people--long lines at the gate, ID checks on the flightline, speed enforcement in housing, etc. The world we live in is not conducive to convenience when it comes to safety and security. I often tell people, concerning the inconveniences, "It beats the alternative." We prevent the alternative. We protect those who are unable to protect themselves, whether it is a child crossing the street, an airman doing their job unhindered on the flightline, or one of our civilians working diligently on our major command staff. We proudly wear our badge and beret and are prepared to fight and defend, as we stand in the gap between those we protect and those that will attempt to harm us.