Tech. Sgt. John Mere, 460th MSS

Published Dec. 2, 2008

TEAM BUCKLEY WARRIOR OF THE WEEK -- Tech. Sgt. John Mere, the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Personnel Readiness Function, is Team Buckley's Warrior of the Week for Dec. 5 - 11.

Sergeant Mere has served in the Air Force for 14 years and calls Los Angeles home, where he proclaims there are more cars than people. He enjoys working out and cruising on his motorcycle in his spare time.

What is the combat capability that this person exemplified to earn the title, "Warrior of the Week?"
"John exemplifies the core values, 'service before self and excellence in all we do,'" said Lt. Col. Tom Smith, 460th Mission Support Squadron Commander. "When the phone rang at 11:30 p.m. the evening before Thanksgiving, John didn't hesitate. Despite the hour and the holiday, he was out of his bed and in the PRF hours before most of the wing even got their first phone call. He stayed there through the night and well into Thanksgiving morning coordinating the Secretary of Defense-directed force accountability recall. Despite going more than 24 hours without sleep, he never complained, he never faltered and Sergeant Mere ensured the wing reached 100 percent accountability the following morning."

"It doesn't matter if he's on a battlefield supporting the Army or at home station preparing others for deployment," Colonel Smith added. "Sergeant Mere has the heart, soul and bearing of a true warrior Airman. I am humbled and honored to serve with an Airman of his character and commitment."

How do your day-to-day duties impact the Air Force mission?
As the NCOIC of PRF, there are a lot of behind-the-scenes duties that come with the job. The office doesn't just deploy people, brief locations and duties, out-process or complete contingency exercise deployment orders.

The PRF is the focal point for the 460th Space Wing accountability and recalls. We inform higher headquarters if Buckley has reached 100 percent accountability. As a result, the PRF section plays a very important role in the Air Force mission.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
To have the physical training test tie in with your promotion score, just like the Army does.

Why do you serve?
I continue to serve in the Air Force to travel around the world and see different places I thought I would never see, for free. I also serve to be a part of the Global War on Terror. What other job out there gives you this and more for you and your family?

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
My most memorable experience was when I deployed with the Army. I had a chance to work with a different branch of service and observe how their day-to-day operations bring about the mission.

What is your most memorable personal accomplishment?
Becoming a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and hopefully making master sergeant soon.

If you were not in the military, where would you be? Why?
I have never imagined myself not in the military. I have always wanted to be in the military, especially since I watched "Top Gun."

Where would you like to be in 10 years? What will you be doing?
In 10 years I will probably be retired from the military and working in Nevada as a motorcycle instructor.

Military accomplishments:
-- Certified to teach motorcycle safety courses for overseas military personnel
-- NCO Academy graduate
-- Personnel Support for Contingency Operations readiness rewrite of PERSCO guide
-- Attended major command-level Deliberate Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments, or DCAPES, planner course
-- Manpower & Personnel Module -- Base Operator
-- Meritorious Service Medal awarded in a deployed location