Philip J. Rechnitzer, Jr., “Fil” “Sgt Fil” or “Filvis” as he was called throughout his career, was born in Albany, New York on September 18th, 1964. You might recognize this date as it is also the same birthday as the United States Air Force. He attended Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, New York, and graduated with honors in 1983 and immediately signed up for Delayed Enlistment into the Air Force. In April 1984, he traveled to Lackland AFB, TX for Basic Military Training. Upon graduation in May, he attended Technical Training at Keesler AFB, MS to learn Administration and Unit Orderly Room management. After completion of technical training, he was ordered to his first active duty assignment to the 728th Tactical Control Squadron “Blue Demons” at Eglin Air Force Auxiliary Field 3 (“Duke Field”). The 728th was a mobile Tactical Air Control System (TACS) unit that deployed quarterly to engage in field exercises. During his three years with the 728th, he deployed to Exercise TEAM SPIRIT in Korea in 1986, and volunteered as a member of the “ride out team” during hurricane Elena. His assignment with the Blue Demons introduced Fil to the 80’s military service, the “brown shoe days,” field deployments, and the magic of camaraderie and military life. Loving ground deployment units Airman Fil volunteered for duty in Korea and was rewarded with a subsequent TACS assignment to the 604th Direct Air Support Squadron, Camp Red Cloud Army Installation, Ouijongbu, Republic of Korea. Camp Red Cloud was located very close to the demilitarized zone in the Korean peninsula during the height of the Cold War. Preparation for a North Korean incursion was paramount and Fil again deployed to the field throughout Korea in support of Exercise ULCHI FOCUS LENS and TEAM SPIRIT 87 and also to the Philippines as perimeter security force during Exercise COPE THUNDER. One of the highlights of Fil’s tour was his dedication in preparing the unit’s Administrative corps for a Tactical Air Command Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI). His exhaustive efforts led to an “Outstanding” rating and his selection as a professional performer. During this assignment, Airman Fil graduated from the NCO Preparatory Course as a Distinguished Graduate. In 1988, Fil’s tour to Korea drew to a close and he returned to FL. Airman Fil returned to Eglin AFB in April 1988 to the 3205th Consolidated Base Personnel Office (CBPO) later renamed the 96th Military Personnel Flight. While at the CBPO, he worked to allocate and direct Eglin personnel to formal training courses, professional military education schools, and update their classification records. During his tenure he completed NCO Leadership School graduating with a 90% average. But squadron work was his passion, so after 1 year, he later transferred to the 96th Transportation Squadron down the street from the CBPO on Eglin. In the 5 years he was with the “Transporters”, he became a staff sergeant, a supervisor, created and then became president of the Unit Advisory Council, and was celebrated with numerous accolades and recognition from Base and Major Command officials to include Eglin NCO of the Quarter, Unit NCO of the Year, and HQ Air Force Materiel Command Personnel Manager of the Year. Furthermore, he obtained 2 AA degrees and became a 7-
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