Two Hats, One Mission: 446th AW Airman’s Journey as Port Dawg and ChalleNGe Academy Cadre Published April 1, 2025 By Capt. Daniel Phelps 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Washington Youth Challenge Academy,” said Jamal White, WYCA cadet graduate. About a year ago, Tech. Sgt. Duncan Hamlin, 86th Aerial Port Squadron port dawg and Washington Youth Challenge Academy cadre, found a new calling teaching at the Academy for his civilian career. Hamlin is a Cadre Team Member assigned to the 2nd Platoon Spartans at the Washington Youth Challenge Academy. The WYCA is a residential intervention program that helps at-risk teens struggling in school. It gives them a place to earn high school credits, learn new skills, and prepare for their future in a structured, military-style setting with supportive mentoring relationships. The Academy is a division of the Washington Military Department. The Washington Military Department encompasses the Washington National Guard, Washington Youth Challenge Academy, and Emergency Management Division. The program is essential in meeting the Department’s mission of protecting lives and communities, as the WYCA enhances resiliency in communities through an alternative education experience for youth. “Cadre members from the Washington Youth Academy are responsible for helping these young men and women get back on track to graduate and become productive citizens after they leave the campus,” said Army Lt. Col. Joseph Siemandel, Washington Military Department public affairs officer. “[Hamlin] being a member of the Air Force Reserve helps bring those values of citizen-airmen service to our cadets.” Education was something Hamlin, had always been passionate about. Originally, he wanted to be a teacher; and for a time worked as a substitute teacher. However, something was missing. “I wanted to be even more engaged with the kids, and critical to their development,” he said. “I knew teachers that do that, and I wanted to get into the nitty gritty and help the kids.” When he came across the opportunity for the WYCA, he knew he found his calling. "I think I was about six and a half years into my Air Force career when I found this," he said. "I wish I had found it sooner because the skills are cross-compatible." This career is the perfect mix of what he is most passionate about – working with youth and the military, Hamlin said. Hamlin’s passion is evident, said WYCA Maj. Christopher Acuna, Academy cadre. Hamlin is a participative leader who leads his cadets from the front. He is present during his platoon’s physical fitness training and inspires them to give extra effort because he leads by example. He discovered the opportunity after he returned from a deployment and was trying to figure his next step in life. “I think of what, you know, what can combine those two passions,” he said. “And I found this. This is a dream job for me. I get to work with kids in a military setting, it can't get better than that.” On top of finding his dream job, Hamlin found something else – a boost to his military career. Working at the Academy boosted his confidence and his social skills, especially when working with large groups of people. “Working with these youth, you get really good at explaining problems, conflict resolution, and becoming more proactive at taking care of situations,” he explained. “The Academy prepared me for the role of a technical sergeant because I felt I had more skill in dealing with people, organizing, and helping my unit out with training people." Hamlin’s Platoon leader, WYCA 1st Lt. Steve Wood, commended his exceptional ability working with the cadets. Hamlin is patient, meets his cadets where they are at, and always prioritized the needs of the cadets first. “He stands out,” said WYCA Master Sgt. Michelle Rauback, Team leader. “He exemplifies the WYCA Core Values of Commitment, Courage, Integrity, Professionalism and Respect.” Hamlin’s skill as a cadre directly benefits from his Reserve career as a technical sergeant. “I’m able to bring so many aspects into the school setting that the Air Force teaches,” he said. “Tons and tons of stuff. Even your basic things such as structure, and discipline; I’ve been able to bring that to the Academy branch and my platoon and instill that into the kids. I’m able to get them to take pride in the little things like marching and the position of attention.” Master Sgt. Mickey Kelton, Hamlin’s 86th APS supervisor, lauded his Port Dawg’s exceptional skill as a leader and commitment to his team. “Hamlin’s dedication to mission success and almost immaculate training abilities have benefited his section, the squadron and the wing as a whole by ensuring we are always mission ready and, if we are not, identifying shortfalls with resolutions to rectify,” said Kelton. “He does this while maintaining a positive attitude, even when the situation is dire and bleak.” Hamlin’s role as an NCO in the 86th APS translates well into his role as a cadre in the Washington State Youth Challenge Academy by helping prepare future generations for success with problem-solving skills, teamwork, and out-of-the-box thinking while still remaining inside of rules and regulations set forth by senior officials, Kelton expanded. “Both the United States Air Force and Washington State Youth Challenge Academy are extremely fortunate to have such a talented and stalwart individual with an auspicious future within their ranks,” said Kelton.