917th Airman builds warriors from ground up

Technical Sgt. Jeff Walston, public affairs technician, 917th Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., adjusts the chin strap for Recruit Brittany Brannon, TYLER JOINT FORCE Battalion of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps based in Tyler, Texas, before she attempts an exercise at the East Texas Medical Center/Behavioral Health Center rope course in Tyler, August 15, 2009. Sergeant Walston is also a commissioned Lieutenant in the NSCC serving as the public affairs officer (PAO) with the TJFB. Lt. Walston, a former training officer and commanding officer, retired from the NSCC in 1994 after 14 years of service. In 2008, he re-affiliated with the NSCC by returning to active status with the TJFB in Tyler, to “build American warriors from the ground up.” Recruit Brannon has already decided to join the U.S. Air Force when she graduates high school next year. (Courtesy photo)