Face of Defense: NCO’s Work Supports 65,000 Airmen

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Grant

12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern)

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., Jan. 9, 2015 – In a way, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Diana Scaramouche is the voice of the 65,000 airmen assigned to 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern).

A typical day for Scaramouche includes managing organizational email boxes, coordinating lodging and travel, examining enlisted performance reports and decoration packages, and performing other varying tasks that involve the enlisted force.

As the executive assistant to Chief Master Sgt. Calvin Williams, the 12th AF (Air Forces Southern) command chief, Scaramouche’s voice makes a huge impact on the enlisted force assigned to the eight wings and one direct reporting unit that fall under 12th Air Force, U.S. Southern Command’s air component.

“I am here to assist the chief and to ensure that he’s able to make a concise decision on important matters,” she said.

Handling a Multitude of Matters for the Enlisted Force

On a day-to-day basis, Scaramouche coordinates or researches a multitude of matters involving the enlisted force.

“She keeps me on task and target, and being a junior [noncommissioned officer], she is able to take the things she’s learned and help mentor other junior NCOs, who will someday become senior NCOs leading the Air Force,” Williams said.

Before she began her current duties, Scaramouche was the noncommissioned officer in charge of evaluations for the 355th Fighter Wing.

A Chance to Become a Better Leader

“I was nervous at first about applying to do this job,” she said, “but I have a belief that you should always be open to change and new challenges, and the knowledge that the mentorship from a command chief will make me into a better leader and NCO.”

Scaramouche said that serving as an executive assistant has enlightened her about her unit’s organization and roles.

“Since I’ve taken this job, my eyes have been opened to the extensive amount of work that is put in by our leaders appointed above us to make day-to-day operations move as smooth as possible,” she said.

Airmen From Any Career Field Can Apply

Scaramouche said she almost didn’t apply for the position, because at first she wasn’t aware that airmen from any Air Force specialty code are eligible. But regardless of their career field, she added, airmen interested in applying should have integrity, as well as good time-management and people skills.

“I think any and every AFSC should apply,” she said. “An opportunity like this will allow you to better yourself by showing diversity in your records, as well as strengthening your ability to help airmen.”