Retiree worked for AMC’s predecessor—MAC Published Sept. 25, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Meet retired Senior Master Sgt. Joe Barajas, deputy director of the Scott Retiree Activity Office, who volunteers his time on a near-daily basis in the small office in building P-10. "Like the motto on our emblem, 'Still Serving,'" said Barajas, pointing at the Retiree Activities Program seal on the wall of the office, "we still serve." "Our volunteers, with their diverse backgrounds and experiences add strength to our Nation's armed services," said Barajas. "They volunteer thousands of hours annually supporting our active duty forces, fellow retirees and surviving family members." One of the reasons he likes to help the military community is that it brings back memories, such as wearing the uniform. "I wore the 1505, the beige lightweight uniforms, with the short sleeve shirts. In October of 1967, the Air Force authorized the wear of ribbons on the shirt of the 1505 uniform, whereas before ribbons could only be worn on the blues." The badge he wears on his hat says his specialty in the Air Force was information management, known today as knowledge operations. He said that the traits an Airman had back then are just as relevant now, including needing to be intelligent, savvy, flexible and adaptable--traits you don't just find in a textbook. You will see him these days in attendance at events such as the Retiree Appreciation Day, a day he said is one opportunity to hear other retirees' military stories and experiences. He has also attended nearly every Air Force ball that Scott has hosted the past 11 years. He said the traditions are important to be a part of and to uphold those traditions is paramount. He believes strongly in respecting the Air Force's legacy, and preserving it for future generations to learn from and be inspired by. Barajas was the first Senior NCO to be appointed to fill the key position of Executive to the Command Chief for the Military Airlift Command, a precursor to Air Mobility Command prior to 1992, to manage the day-to-day business activities for the top senior enlisted advisor who reported to the MAC Commander-in-Chief--a first for the United States Air Force. He won top honors in MAC as the Outstanding Senior Executive NCO for 1983, and, won top honors as Strategic Air Command's Outstanding Senior Enlisted Administrator, Base-level Administration for 1986. While he was in his new position, he noticed that the portrait of Corporal Frank Scott, the namesake of Scott AFB, which was dusty and needed care. He cleaned the portraits and re-hung them in a more visible and prominent location. He also came up with the concept that the portraits of all preceding chief master sergeants of the Air Force should be hung with corresponding name plates including details about the individuals so Airmen could read a small insight into who these leaders were and how they contributed to the Air Force. Barajas is a highly decorated and a disabled Vietnam War veteran of two voluntary tours of duty. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal as well as other numerous military decorations, special and foreign awards, and unit citations. "All of our retirees are special because they made a commitment to our Nation and many still serve as volunteers throughout the base and our communities. Part of why I still stay involved is to continue to honor all of our veterans and keep the love of heritage alive."