Through the ranks: LRS Airman brings leadership skills as a former Marine and Army soldier Published July 29, 2024 By Airman 1st Class Daisy Quevedo 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- When Tech. Sgt. Princeton Redford walks into a room, his Air Force uniform may catch the eye, but it's the decades of diverse military experience beneath that uniform that truly sets him apart. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Princeton Redford, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron, non-commissioned officer in charge of equipment support poses for a photo on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July, 23, 2024. Redford served 14 years in the Marine Corps, six years in the Army Reserves and currently serves in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daisy Quevedo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res With 14 years as a Marine, six years in the Army Reserves, and now six years as an Air Force Airman, Redford’s career is a rich tapestry of service that weaves together over 26 years of multi-branch expertise. Redford, an equipment support NCO in charge of the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron, said the years he has spent serving his country have already helped him develop a deep appreciation for life and his country. "Each branch has equipped me with valuable skills and instilled a profound sense of patriotism and respect for life … which guide me daily," he said. As a Marine Corps infantryman, Redford served during several conflicts, wars, and humanitarian operations in Iraq, Kosovo, Yemen, China, Japan, Spain, Africa, Turkey, Italy, Korea, and the Persian Gulf. These experiences exposed him to distressing scenes that, he said, opened his eyes to the cruelty in the world. One of those profound, if not the most profound, moments occurred while serving in the Iraq War in Fallujah in 2006. "There, the Iraqi children were beginning target practice by age 6 and then used as suicide bombers in their early teens. No more than 100 yards from me, a boy barely 14 years of age detonated himself. He was just a child, not a soldier, not even a man. I will never forget it … it was at that moment that I truly realized just how precious life is." Courtesy photo from Tech. Sgt. Princeton Redford. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res After serving 14 years in the Marine Corps, Redford, a Maine native, decided he needed a change. He joined the Army Reserves and served six years as a ground transportation specialist. Still wanting to contribute more, he saw an opportunity to give in the Air Force. "My recruiters told me how my fellow Airmen might benefit from my experiences accrued in both the Corps as well as the Army. However, I too am always eager to learn and benefit from their knowledge, regardless of rank," he said. Senior Airman Colin Thompson, a 375th LRS Ground Transportation Element specialist, said, that “out of everybody I've worked with in my seven years, two bases, two deployments, and 30-some odd TDYs, Sergeant Redford is one of the few people that many Airmen should want to emulate. His standards are high and his door is always open for us. He is the first person in line to help." Each branch of service has its own culture and approach to doing business, so Redford said he tries to stay as positive as he can, learn from those willing to teach, and share with those eager to learn. Regardless of the differences in the services, he said there are some founding principles to live by that enhance his personal and professional life. "Be a man of your word," he said, "because it's all you have. If you say you're going to do something, do it, because if you don't, you'll lose respect from people above and below you." Courtesy photo from Tech. Sgt. Princeton Redford. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Humility is another strength Redford said he cultivates and safeguards. "I firmly believe you can learn from anyone. An Airman Basic can teach you something that a general might not have thought about and that goes for every branch." His military service has shaped his personal life by instilling discipline and respect and has moved him to serve in humanitarian roles such as youth ministry and volunteer firefighting. Additionally, Redford is committed to continuing his service to veterans. He dreams of establishing a non-profit Polo Club that offers veterans employment, room and board, and an opportunity to learn a new trade. "There are far too many unemployed and homeless veterans," said Redford. "My lovely bride, Jennifer, and I both believe strongly that no one is more deserving of a second, third, or fourth chance than the men and women who have served their country so that others might live a life of independence."