Photo By Tech. Sgt. Shelton Sherrill | 2nd Lt. Ryan Buffington, 403rd Logistics and Readiness Squadron logistics readiness officer, congratulates Senior Master Sgt. Scott Weatherford, 403rd Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, during Weatherford's retirement ceremony at the Roberts Maintenance Facility auditorium, Jan. 10, 2026. Weatherford returned to serve after an 18 year to complete a 20 year enlistment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shelton Sherrill) see less
| View Image Page
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISSISSIPPI, UNITED STATES
Returning to serve: One Reservist’s path back after 18 years away
When eight years of active-duty service turns into an 18-year break in service, the idea of returning to complete the remaining 12 years toward a 20-year retirement can feel impossible.
Careers, especially military careers, are rarely linear, and for those who believe they have missed their opportunity to serve again, Senior Master Sgt. Scott Weatherford’s journey proves otherwise.
Weatherford, 403rd Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, rendered his final salute as a Reserve Citizen Airman, and reflected on a career defined not only by service, but by the courage to step away, and the determination to return.
Driven initially by a desire for stability, Weatherford’s Air Force journey began by chance.
“My high school buddy called and said, ‘Hey, I’m leaving on this date—are you going to come with me?’” said Weatherford. “At that point in time, I was looking for stability, a career, and purpose. That’s when I found the Air Force.”
Entering service as a Security Forces Airman at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Weatherford’s early years were marked by long shifts and demanding work. From gate guarding to repetitive identification card checks, the job tested his endurance and resolve. Like many Airmen, he said he was motivated by education benefits, but what kept him grounded was something deeper - mentorship.
“I always had good supervisors and managers who took an interest in my career,” said Weatherford. “They were always there to guide and help.”
That mentorship opened doors. Through continued training and readiness, Weatherford moved beyond the gate to become one of the first Drug Abuse Resistance Education instructors in the Military Airlift Command, teaching and mentoring school-aged children. It was during this time he realized his role was about more than just a job.
“As I grew in the career field, I realized this was bigger than me,” Weatherford said. “There was a lot of reward and self-fulfillment, something greater than self.”
Despite his passion for service, life required a detour. In 1995, Weatherford made the difficult decision to separate from active duty to put family first.
After 18 years away from the force, he said he was ready to return to duty.
“I missed the people. I missed the mission. I missed wearing the uniform,” said Weatherford.
For years, he thought about returning, and then, after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and many conversations with his wife, Weatherford began researching what it would take to come back after nearly two decades away.
“His wife is an amazing teammate,” said 2nd Lt. Ryan Buffington, 403rd Logistics and Readiness Squadron logistics readiness officer, who spoke at the retirement ceremony. He was a former chief master sergeant with the 403rd SFS who served with Weatherford. “She supported his return after an 18-year hiatus, and that support kept him grounded through the challenges.”
Returning to service after a long break is possible—but it requires commitment, said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Resio, 403rd Wing recruiting flight chief.
“For prior-service members like Weatherford, the process involved working with a Reserve recruiter, meeting medical and fitness standards, updating security clearances, and completing required refresher training to requalify in his career field,” said Resio.
After meeting all the requirements in 2013, Weatherford joined the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. as a Reservist, and later transferred to the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., which provided a flexible path that allowed him to serve while balancing family and his civilian career responsibilities as a director of safety for a local gas company, and a place where he discovered a renewed appreciation for the mission.
Air Force Reserve Security Forces play a vital role in defending installations, personnel, and resources at home and abroad. On the Reserve side, Security Forces Airmen bring valuable civilian expertise to enhance military readiness, seamlessly integrating into the Total Force to support global missions. Also, when deployed Reserve Security Forces serve as a key defense in high-threat environments to ensure the safety of personnel and civilians in volatile regions, while contributing to force protection alongside joint and coalition forces, ensuring a unified security posture with Army, Navy, and Marine Corps units.
Over the next 12 years, Weatherford served as a fire team leader, squad leader, and operations superintendent; ultimately achieving his goal of 20 years of total service.
“If the plan is to make this a career, you have to have a support system,” said Weatherford. “Your family needs to understand the ‘why.’”
That “why” extended beyond service to country—it was about impacting others, mentoring younger Airmen, and becoming the support system once provided to him, he added.
“When you realize you made an impact, even a small one, it’s incredibly rewarding,” he said.
As he transitions into retirement, Weatherford offers advice not only to young Airmen, but to anyone considering joining —or rejoining—the Air Force Reserve:
“Be resilient, because there is always something going on at your civilian job and at home. And be prepared mentally and physically—because opportunity will come, and you need to be ready, and get support from family, supervision, and teammates; and, be willing to ask for help,” he said.
The Air Force Reserve offered Weatherford a second chance with flexible service and a meaningful career. His journey proves that with preparation, persistence, and support, returning to service after a long break isn’t just possible, it can be the most rewarding chapter of all.
For prior-service members who still feel the call to serve contact an Air Force Reserve recruiter at https://www.airforce.com/how-to-join/join-the-air-force-reserve.
Subscribe
