By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Orange County Judge Stephen ‘Brint’ Carlton will see less travel time this year as he recently changed units in the Air Force Reserves.

“The last unit, was a service unit geared towards deployments and training,” Carlton said. “It was a three year commitment which I had started prior to becoming a prosecutor or running for office.”

Carlton’s new duties with the Air Force Medical Operation Center are now focused on deployment requirements for medical personnel.

“The requirements to be away are significantly less,” Carlton said. “There are not as many schools or training requirements.”

The unit is also a three year commitment, but may only require traveling two to four times a year.

“It may be as little as two times a fiscal year,” Carlton said. “When it was time, I looked for a position to be more conducive to an elected position.”

He has served a total off 11 years in the service and plans to retire one day.

“I either have nine or 19 more years to go,” Carlton said. “However, I will not be eligible for retirement benefits until the age of 60.”

While Carlton has been awarded 18 medals in all, he has received nine unique medals such a Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his duties in his last unit.

“I have received some medals one up to three times,” Carlton said. “The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the highest decoration I personally have ever received.”

As an Air Force Officer, there are certain expectations known as pillars.

The four pillars are:

Joint Assignment

National Capital

Above Wing Level Unit

Command

Carlton has one pillar to fulfill – Command.

For now, Carlton was looking for an assignment which would require less impact on his family and the citizens of Orange County.

“There are not a lot of positions available,” Carlton added. “You have to apply and be interviewed for each one.”

Carlton is also two classes away from completing his Masters in Military Operational Art and Science.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for those who enlist as active, reservists, or guard,” Carlton said. “One can get an Associates Degree through the Air Force and tuition assistance. Many will finish their undergraduate degree while still active.”

Carlton was promoted to Major in 2014.

 

Carlton’s Military Decorations:

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters

Joint Service Achievement Medal

Air Force Achievement Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

Meritorious Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster

Air Force Recognition Ribbon

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Korea Defense Service Medal

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border

Air Force Longevity Service Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Air Force Training Ribbon