Airmen become first enlistees to join 301st Fighter Wing, Det. 1

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica Salgado
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  On Dec. 4, two Airmen re-enlisted as the first two reservists to join the 301st Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. 

After taking the oath, reservists now have the option to further their career in the Air Force while pursuing their own goals outside of Holloman. 

"The biggest contribution a reservist brings to an organization is depth of experience and continuity," said Lt. Col. Kent Furman, 301st Fighter Squadron commander. 

These two Airmen were first interviewed, then hand-picked for meeting the qualifications and having active duty experience. 

Airman 1st Class Terri Cowan enlisted into the fuels systems slot for three years after being a prior jet engine troop at Langley Air Force Base, Va. She is now stationed at Holloman with her husband who is an active duty crew chief that was part of the cadre they sent here from Langley. 

Alongside her enlistment was Senior Airman Jay Tarango Jr., who chose to sign for six years into Aircraft Structural Maintenance after serving four years of active duty at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wa. He is now working for Homeland Security in El Paso, Texas, as a border patrol agent. 

Airman Tarango said he misses being a part of the Air Force. He was a full time military member in 1998. 

"It's a great aircraft, it's a great mission, but most importantly it's going to be a unit staff of great people and we hope this is the first step to bring similar people to join this group," said Lt. Col Max Stitzer, 301st Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, deputy commander . 

After relocating the 301st Fighter Squadron from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., the F-22 Squadron will form a classic association with active duty 7th and 8th Fighter Squadrons under the 49th Fighter Wing. It is expected to grow to over 250 Airmen within the next three years. 

The 301st Fighter Squadron was originally part of the "Red Tailed" 332nd Fighter Group of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. The squadron has an impressive combat heritage dating back to activation and combat service in World War II. 

Although, they don't own any planes, their roles here at Holloman are to fly and maintain the aircraft alongside active duty members from the 49th Fighter Wing.

The 301st Fighter Wing plans to establish themselves as a standalone unit in late spring.