OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- Two Osan Airmen made the jump to become Guardians this week and will start a new chapter of their lives, but with more personal titles for each other: husband and wife.
Sergeants Jamie and Frank Franco’s career field, cyber systems operations, was eligible to transfer to the U.S. Space Force when the call for volunteers went out to Airmen in early 2020.
“It all started back in April when Jamie and I found out about the ability for our career field to be transfer to the Space Force.” Frank said. “For about 2 weeks, she would bring it up all the time how cool it would be to make history and be some of the first people into a new branch. Eventually the idea grew on me and realized I couldn’t let her go at it alone so we both volunteered.”
The U.S. Air Force and Space Force have selected approximately 5,000 members to make the service transfer, which entails officially enlisting in the Space Force. Jamie, who had a pending promotion, pinned on the rank of staff sergeant on Feb. 1, before taking the oath to enter the Space Force. Frank followed suit enlisting on Feb. 5.
“It feels a bit unreal,” Jamie said about the transfer. “I feel like the time that’s passed since the branch stood up has flown by. I’m sure that’s how Gen. Raymond (U.S. Space Force, chief of space ops), Chief Towberman (U.S. Space Force, senior enlisted advisor) and all that have been leading this feel the same way. I wish I could talk to someone who transferred from the Army Air Corps to the Air Force, because I’d love to know what was going through their mind at the time and what they wish they would have done.”
While the color of the Franco’s name tapes will change from spice brown to navy, they will still be accomplishing the same duties focused on cyber and communications, supporting the joint warfighter at their next assignment.
Transitioning into the U.S. Space Force can be exciting, albeit overwhelming, as many life changing decisions are. As these Guardians are making history building the foundation to the Department of Defense’s newest branch, this process is made easier when an Airman does it with the support of their spouse.
“Transferring to the Space Force with Jamie means everything to me,” Frank said. “Without her I most likely would not have taken this opportunity. I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the next few years of our Space Force career, but I’m very fortunate I get to start this journey with my best friend.”