The voice of the Enlisted Force

by Staff Sgt. Adam Grant
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

1/9/2015 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz. -- She is the voice of the 65,000 Airmen assigned to 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern). A typical day in her life consists of managing organization email boxes, coordinating lodging and travel, examining enlisted performance reports, decorations and all things that involve the enlisted force. To some this may seem overwhelming, but to her it's just another day at the office.

As the executive assistant to the 12 AF (AFSOUTH) Command Chief, Tech Sgt. Diana Scaramouche's voice makes a huge impact on the enlisted force assigned to 12 AF (AFSOUTH).  

"I am here to assist the chief and to ensure that he's able to make a concise decision on important matters," said Scaramouche.

On a day-to-day basis, Scaramouche can be seen coordinating or researching a multitude of taskers involving the enlisted force at the eight wings and one direct reporting unit that fall under 12 AF.

"She keeps me on task and target, and being a junior NCO 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," said Chief Master Sergeant Calvin Williams, 12AF (AFSOUTH) Command Chief.

Prior to being the executive assistant, Scaramouche was the 355th Fighter Wing NCOIC of evaluations. Though she looks forward to the challenges of her new job, she was a little weary at first.

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

Since she's become an executive, she's been able to learn a lot about the function and role that a Numbered Air Force plays in the Air Force.

"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," said Scaramouche.

A typical package consists of two letters or recommendation, one from the individual's squadron commander and one from the individual's squadron chief, as well as copy of Single Unit Retrieval Format, last five Enlisted Performance Reports, and pt score sheet.

One thing Scaramouche thinks almost stopped her from applying was that she did not know that every Air Force Specialty Code can apply to become a command chief executive assistant.

"I think any and every AFSC should apply, 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," said Scaramouche.

Scaramouche believes that individuals who are interested should have good time management and people skills, as well as have integrity. She also thinks one of the most important things is that Airmen don't let an opportunity like this slip away from them.