I first encountered Lon, as she's affectionately known, while she was serving as a Technical Sergeant in the Force Support Squadron (FSS). Our bond was immediately cemented by a mutual love for photography. As our friendship deepened, Lon shared a pivotal chapter in her career with me: she had once been a Captain in the Air Force but lost her commission due to a clerical error. Instead of departing the service, she chose to continue, accepting a demotion to Staff Sergeant. This choice was a profound display of her selfless dedication to serve, prioritizing commitment over rank.
The journey to rectify Lon's military record was marked by both challenges and a remarkable display of support. Her letter to the Board of Correction of Air Force Records, dated August 7, 2018, detailed the administrative errors affecting her promotion opportunities. She sought correction for the missing Officer Performance Report (OPR) from her record and the removal of her name from the list of officers non-selected for promotion by the V0408A Major Promotion Selection Board.
The absence of timely notifications about the promotion boards and the presence of incorrectly labeled Air Force Form 77s in her record were additional hurdles that Lon faced. These challenges, however, were met with unwavering determination and support from her Air Force family. My background, alongside Colonel Mike Gerock’s expertise in personnel matters, enabled us to guide Lon in her pursuit of justice. We stood united in our efforts to restore her rightful rank and dignity.
This journey was not just about correcting a record; it was a testament to the values that define the Air Force – integrity, service before self, and excellence. It was a narrative of standing up for a fellow airman and restoring a deserving officer's rank.
Our involvement in Lon's case highlights the belief that in life, everything happens for a reason. Her story, culminating in the correction of her record and reinstatement to Captain, showcases the power of unity, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to service. It reflects the ethos of the Air Force, where each member's contribution and well-being are valued.
The pinnacle of this journey was not just in the correction of her records. Our shared passion for photography came full circle as I had the distinct honor of witnessing and photographing Lon's promotion back to Captain and, subsequently, her promotion to Major. These moments were more than ceremonial; they were symbolic of triumph over adversity, the culmination of a collective effort to uphold justice and honor a deserving officer's commitment.
Photographing these milestones in Lon's career was a profound experience, intertwining our mutual love for photography with a celebration of her achievements. Each frame captured was a testament to her resilience, a visual narrative of her journey back to her rightful place as a leader in the Air Force.
