Meet Lt. Col. Russel Frantz, new 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron commander Published July 20, 2016 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- During a change of command ceremony June 27 Lt. Col. Russel Frantz took command of the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Scott Air Force Base. The 375th AES conducts aeromedical evacuation missions spanning the continental United States, Europe, the Pacific and the Middle East. Frantz is arriving from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Pope Army Airfield, N.C., where he was the chief nurse. What led you to join the United States Air Force? I started my military career as an Army Nurse stationed at Fort Bragg. I had opportunities to work with the Aeromedical Evacuation nurses stationed at Pope Army Airfield. I liked what I saw and felt it was something I might be good at. When my commitment to the Army was complete, I decided to branch transfer to the Air Force. When did you decide you wanted to become an officer? My reasons and motivations for joining the military as an officer were not complicated. I was approached by an Army recruiter in the first year of my nursing program. He outlined the scholarships available, the work I would be doing as an Army Nurse Corps officer, and the pay and benefits of joining the military. I looked at where I was in my life and the path I was currently taking and wasn’t happy. I listed the pros and cons of joining the military, and it was a 30-second decision. At that time in my life, there wasn’t a single valid reason not to grab the opportunity. Was there a specific goal in mind when you became an officer? To be perfectly honest, “No.” It was a direct accession in the military. I had no idea what being an officer meant or exactly what I would be doing in military life. I came in blind. The only goal I had in mind was to take anything the military threw at me and ask for seconds. What is your favorite Air Force memory? No matter how hard I try, I can’t pin down a favorite Air Force memory. There are too many favorite memories to count. I have enjoyed every assignment and they keep getting better. The top half of my “favorite memories” list have a consistent theme of working with and learning from awesome Joint Service members to accomplish something bigger than myself. What can your Airmen expect from you? Honesty, transparency, humility and my support. What do you expect from your Airmen? · Support and respect one another · Do the right thing when no one is looking · Focus on the mission and what they can do to better themselves or achieve as a team to improve support to the warfighter. What advice would you give Airmen? Find a mentor and do it early in your career! I found my mentor(s) late in my career, and wouldn’t be in the position I am in without them. Without a doubt, having a trusted person to confide in and provide solid personal and professional advice has been invaluable to my personal and professional growth. What do you look forward to the most? Getting to know the people in the squadron and helping them reach their goals. Do you have a leadership philosophy? Provide vision, guidance and support for the people, and the people will take care of the mission. How do you feel about being at Scott AFB? Scott Air Force Base is my “Air Force Home.” I have been assigned to this base for nine years of my career. I love the mission, the base and the community.