GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Space Force 1st Lt. Robert Freeman has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Connecticut. As a recent high school graduate, Freeman had a tough decision to make: follow his scholarship opportunities into the world of higher education or forge his own pathway into adulthood.
“After I declined my scholarships, my step-father gave me an ultimatum: join the military, or work for him,” said Freeman. “It was the best thing my step-father had ever said to me.”
Freeman enlisted into the Air Force as an operations intelligence Airman in August, 2002 on the heels of 9/11.
After graduating from technical training, Freeman was stationed in Alaska, where he would go on to meet his wife, Brittany. Freeman’s career led him to commission as an intelligence officer in 2018.
For the past five years, Freeman has been stationed at Goodfellow and fulfilled many roles. He has been an officer intelligence course instructor, the targeting analysis course flight commander, and as of June 21, is now the new Space Force’s 533rd Training Squadron Detachment 1 chief.
“I chose to come to Goodfellow,” said Freeman. “I worked diligently to get my first assignment here; and after transferring to the Space Force, I got my assignment extended to stay longer.”
Leading the way for Guardians to be seen as a part of Team Goodfellow, Freeman enacts his philosophy of transparency, trust, facilitation, and family to set a vision and strengthen teamwork with members of his unit.
“I want to build a Guardian ecosystem that encapsulates Space Training and Readiness Command’s vision and the students’ aspirations,” said Freeman. “I also aspire to establish an individual Guardian presence alongside the sister services.”
Leveraging his experience, Freeman plans to propel Guardians and the installation, to the next level. Freeman is dedicated to serving both his family of five at home, and his Space Force family at Goodfellow AFB.
“I’m more than happy to work hard to further Goodfellow’s mission and enhance the relationship with the city that has been great to my family and me,” said Freeman.