Mascolo, John, MSgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
Growing up as an Air Force brat I watched my father grow from a SrA to SMSgt. The brotherhood that he was a part of inspired me to join and be a part of his brotherhood. To wear a uniform and serve this great nation was a privilege that I had to be a part of.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I joined the Air Force and completed Basic Military training from October 1994-December 1994. I was then shipped across the street to the Security Police Academy to begin my journey to becoming a Law Enforcement Specialist. In 1998 I was allowed to Latteral Train to the K-9 Path that I had dreamed of doing. After almost 14 years of service, I decided it was time to return to my roots and give back to the Air Force by becoming a Military training Instructor. During my time as an instructor, I pushed 10 Fligths and became a Section Supervisor in Field Training at the BEAST (Basic Expeditionary Airmen Skills Training). After my 4 years were complete, I hung up the old Smokey and went back to Security Forces where I am currently a Flight Chief at Hickam AFB, HI.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
Yes, I have, however, I don't dwell on those experiences as they are personal to me.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Columbus AFB, MS. This was my first yard and I have to say some of the funniest, crazy times in my career happened here. I am still in contact with most of the knuckleheads from this time.

Soto Cano AB, Honduras. This is the place where I met my wonderful wife of almost 13 years.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The day my father, SMSgt Richard J. Mascolo (ret), tacked my MSgt stripes upon my arm and told me how proud he was!

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
My Army Commendation Medal, presented to me by then LtCol Kandarin, 101 Airborne, and CSM Paul. That was my tour in Iraq attached to the Army. I was fortunate to perform combat missions with the 101st, 5 SF, 10SF, and 3rd ID.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Then SSgt Robert R. Spring. He was my supervisor at my first yard. He is now retired MSgt. He was the "Dad" for a lot of us and taught us about Common Sense, Being an Airman, and being men.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
I cant recount just one at the moment, however, I will add some later.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I am a Security Force Flight Chief for Charlie Flight.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
N/A

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
Integrity First, Pride and Excellence in all that I do, Service before self......Nuff Said!

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
E-mail me for advice.....I am still at it!

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
I am new to this, so I will edit when I have a good answer!

MB 2.19.23