Newcomers NCOIC leads the way at YARS, civilian life Published May 2, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Valerie Smock 910AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Editor's note: The following is the first part of a three-part series about 910th Airmen who reclassified from another AFSC, unit or service. If Master Sgt. Rob Breeckner, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of newcomers orientation with the 910th Force Support Squadron (FSS), had to explain why he likes to serve in the Air Force Reserve, his reasons would be limitless. "I like the family cohesiveness that we have," said Breeckner. "It's an honor. It's the right thing to do." Breeckner is in charge of the incoming Airmen at Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS). During each Unit Training Assembly, newcomers receive briefings from different YARS offices, such as Equal Opportunity and Financial Management. "I'm here so they feel welcomed to the base; so they don't feel like just another person in uniform," said Breeckner. It's not hard to understand why Breeckner holds his position. Who better to welcome new troops than someone who has 26 years of experience in the military? His career began with the Ohio Army National Guard teaching diversity and mentoring guardsmen. Helping others is something Breeckner does on a daily basis. He works for the Ohio Department of Veterans Services as director of Veteran Educational Programs. The program oversees the approval of state colleges and universities so Service members can utilize their G.I. Bills. "The great thing is I'm able to take care of veterans in my civilian job, (and) new Service members in my traditional reservist job," said Breeckner. Technical Sgt. Kyrsten Rilling, chief of career development with the 910th FSS, said she hit it off very well with Breeckner upon his arrival to YARS. She helped him obtain a position with the 910th. "He is personable and very easy to discuss the possible job option with," said Rilling. "Since coming here, he still checks in to see how I am doing. You can tell that he enjoys helping people with their next career step or that he is genuinely interested when you tell him about the latest accomplishment." One of Breeckner's latest accomplishments is becoming a deacon at his church. He is also the men's ministry director. When not at work, YARS or the church, he spends time at home with his wife Tracy and two daughters, Taylor and Kayleigh. He said family values are of utmost importance. "We have a tendency to judge people by visual appearances and not what their education, talent and family values are," said Breeckner. "As a leader, we need to help to recognize all individuals." Before jumping back into his work, Breeckner took a moment to recognize one of his military inspirations. "A leader who follows is another person just taking a stroll," said Breeckner, quoting Colin Powell. Most anyone who knows Breeckner knows it's easy to see he isn't strolling through life. He is leading the way.