Hello everyone, my name is Sam Eckholm. I am a social media creator, photographer and 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
I handle digital media, community relations, civic outreach and media outreach for the Air Force.
Iām currently stationed at Scott Air Force Base, outside of St. Louis, Mo. where Iām assigned to the 375th Air Mobility Wing. I was previously assigned to the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team where I spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons traveling the world and helping to capture, edit, and showcase the story and mission of the F-22 Raptor.
In my spare time, I enjoy photography and video production, where I create content for both my YouTube Channel, Instagram, and TikTok to share my experiences in the Air Force and inspire the next generation.
Ask me anything in the comments below and Iāll reply with an answer!
Hey man, absolutely love your content. Itās inspired me so much more to join the USAF. Is there any way that any airman ( enlisted, and not a pilot) could ride in the backseat of a fighter aircraft? Thank you so much!
Yes! There are lots of opportunities. Sometimes if you win an award like Outstanding Airman of the Quarter, they gives rides. Other opportunities exist as well.
Even though you attended USAFA, did you still have to go through meps?
We go through a similar process, yes.
Hi Sam,
With greatest pleasure,
Iād like to ask you 2 questions:
You should definitely keep up doing your thing. I think that many people love you and your content, which is especially great for young people, who are into aviation.
I hope that you have a great day.
Best regards from Austria.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Steve! I would love to do a video with the P-51. Will definitely try and see what I can do to make that happen.
I love playing guitar and singing… just not too much time to do all the things I want in a day haha. My biggest inspirations have always been John Mayer/Ed Sheeran. Big fan of bands like LANY, Lauve, Virginia to Vegas, and The Band Camino
Hi Sam! After the Air Force, what do you plan to do? Would you continue to pursue a career in media outreach… or would you find an entirely different field of job? Do you also plan on serving longer or shorter years in service?
Dream has always been to be a full time YouTuber/content creator so Iām sure Iāll keep chasing that š
Hey Sam! Thank you for doing this. What’s the most interesting thing you have photographed besides the F-22?
I always loved shooting the warbirds. I have some epic P-51 photos!
For you and Swayne, what are the difficulties of balancing your life/workload as an USAF officer and his life/workload as a pilot? What have you both done to make the most out of it? TYFYS!
Honestly him being a pilot has made things a lot easier since he and I both have flight benefits and can fly to see each other at least once a week. All depends on his schedule though since I only have weekends off and he may not get the lines he wants to have them off either.
Takes commitment for sure!
Hello!
Iāve been trying to find a recruiter that can help me to see how to start my journey. The problem is that I donāt know if the fighter pilots of the Air Force are part of special warfare, from my research I understood that Special Warfare are those with jobs in the front lines but Iām not sure if fighter pilots form part of Special Warfare, I donāt wanna end up doing another job when all I wanted was to be a fighter pilot, haha.
Thanks Iām advance and keep doing what you doing! I really love your content.
Thanks! There are tons and tons of different aircraft you can fly with different missions, so Iām sure you will find something your psyched about. There are specific special warfare recruiters as well if thatās the path you want to go down.
Check out my YouTube video on how to be a pilot if you have any questions about that process!
Hi Sam!
I love the videos and content you create, you are very good at what you do!
I am currently a Depper, and my plan is to serve in the AF until I get my bachelors degree, become an officer, and eventually become a pilot.
Do you know anyone who have first enlisted and then later on become an officer? ā¦and was becoming a pilot a part of their plan?
ā¦and do you have any advice for me?
There have been TONS of prior enlisted pilots some who had that plan and some who didnāt. Just try and get your degree as soon as you can so that you have that out of the way when it comes time to put your officer package in.
Other than that, work hard and earn the respect and support of your supervisors. That matters a TON because they are the ones that advocate for you to get that UPT slot.
Hey Sam!
How are you liking St Louis?
Have you tried Imo’s pizza yet?
?Loving STL! Imoās is on the list. Did the Ted Drewās frozen custard though. EPIC
Hey Sam,
Love your work, keep it up! For your SM projects, do you have to go thru much red tape to show us the behind the scenes or with your role are you pretty free to post what you feels appropriate? Also has any of your posts/projects gotten you into hot water
Haha long story short… yes Iāve gotten into some hot water. But itās not because of anything serious like security concerns, more of just people who donāt know the rules and regs or maybe they donāt understand how powerful a tool SM can be. But I will say Iāve got a lot of support too! And I wonāt be stopping anytime soon.
Hey Sam! I really enjoy seeing you and Swayne be happy in your own space. How do you deal with all the noise about LGBT relationships and hate?
Iāve been lucky to be surrounded by a lot of positivity. From friends to work colleagues. There is still some hate out there especially since I put myself out there publicly, but I just try not to let it get to me.
favorite clothing brands – pants, shirts, underwear, shoes
Haha I use to actually be really into brand clothing, labels, and all that jazz… realized I could spend my money elsewhere so now I mostly shop on ASOS. But my faves now have to be Zara, H&M, and Express.
Such good style Sam! But always thought you were a Calvin Klein boxer brief guy. You like Express and H&M?
Hey, Sam! Thanks for your time. What was your favorite moment from being in the Air Force? Did you plan on an Air Force career when you were younger?
I look forward to hearing your response. š
I did plan on being in the Air Force since my dad inspired me as a kid. However, I always thought Iād be a pilot. Didnāt know a career field existed where I could do what Iām doing now, so pretty cool to still be around aircraft while also doing what I love in terms of photo/video.
Favorite moment.. dang thereās been so many! Flying in a T-38, traveling the world with the F-22 Demo Team, Blue Angles photo flight, interacting with thousand of kids and sharing my passion with them!
Hey Sam, I was wondering what the nomination process for USAFA was like. Also do you think being in organizations like key club is about as helpful as being an Eagle Scout?
Eagle Scout helps a ton! Nomination process works similar to a typical college application. You will need to do essays, rec letters, and usually some sort of interview. Start the process early and remember that a nomination is just as important as the USAFA app itself.
I want to go to to the USAF academy, but i am not from the US. How do i get in it?
For internationals, you can apply through your government to be sponsored. Usually you would need to be a member of your countryās Air Force to do an exchange program.
Thanks
Any chance your coming to LA soon to make some content!! Come to Manhattan beach!
I do have some plans to be in LA soon! Hopefully more in the future.
Hey Sam! Not sure if you remember, but we met at the Singapore Airshow last year. My question is; how was Singapore? š Hope youāre doing well!
Yes!! Hey! I absolutely loved it. Need to go back soon.
Look forward to see you back š
Hey Sam!
I was wondering if being and Eagle Scout helps in getting into the USAFA. Iām an Eagle Scout and interested going to the academy, and eventually being a pilot.
Yep! There is a box for that to check on the application. Will for sure help.
Hey Sam! I love watching your videos! Especially the one where you flew in a fighter jet. So my question is, how do you become a pilot in the Air Force? I’ve been considering enlisting for some time. Thanks!
Hey Alex! I could write it all out, but I have an even easier way for you to find out š
I made a whole video on how to be a pilot on my YouTube channel! Should answer all of your questions.
Thanks for joining us! 6 year Air Force veteran here out of Moody AFB, GA as an Air Traffic Controller.
What do you think the most underrated base is, CONUS or OCONUS? Other than public affairs, if you could pick ANY enlisted or officer job in the USAF today what would it be? I appreciate your time, Sam!
Honestly… Scott AFB is pretty underrated. Thatās where Iām at now and the location is great! Right near St. Louis and thereās a bunch of aircraft constantly flying in.
Hmmm any other job… I would say probably a boom operator on a KC-135. They go all over the world and get the best views.
Hey Sam!
I have been considering the USAF Academy for a while now. What is it like going to school there? How different is it then a normal university?
Thanks for doing this!
Itās a great experience! Itās challenging, and the academics and course load is rigorous, but the opportunities available there are incredible. Youāre time will be filled constantly and you have a lot of military commitments unlike a typical school, but hey a guaranteed job after graduation is pretty sweet.
Greetings Sam, I would like to ask about your knowledge regarding becoming a pilot in the United States Air Force. It has been a lifelong dream for me to do so, but I have encountered several significant blockages. Firstly, I have been diagnosed with the type-1-diabetes approximately 12 years ago. Secondly, I am of foreign nationality. And Thirdly, I have also short-sightedness. Although it is my ultimate desire to become a pilot with USAF specifically, it seems there may not be any opportunity, even to become an Enlisted. Any advice for a boy chasing his dream? Or is it a time to finally accept his reality? Thank you Sam
My favorite thing to say is that, āIf thereās a will… thereās a waiver.ā Iām not a medical expert, but if you want it bad enough, usually there is a way to do it. Try and work with your recruiter to submit a waiver request and hopefully the Air Force will give you a shot.
Hello, Sam!
Question regarding your time with the demo team:
Did you have do go through any flight qualifications before you got selected for that job? Demo team is my dream assignment and I want to do as much as I can to ābuild my resumeā before I speak to our assignments manager. (Fellow 35P, here.) Iāve got the photo experience, Adobe products knowledge, writing skills and com rel enthusiasm to be,āthe whole package,ā such as yourself, for such a niche assignment.
cheers!
Surprisingly no, I didnāt. Currently to get on a demo team as a 35P, you need to be stationed at the base where the team is at. You can also apply for the Thunderbirds team Air Force wide so definitely look into that route.
Iād say keep honing your skills and have the support from your leadership!
Hey Sam! Iāve always enjoyed your fantastic work. As someone like myself, whoās tossed up between joining the AF or taking another route into aviation, whatās your best argument to join the AF as opposed to going to school or some other program?
I always say, why not do both. Go the Air Force route, have them pay for all of your training. Get some invaluable experience and then you can always peace out after your commitment is up and take your skills to the commercial side.
You can also join the Guard/Reserves and serve in the Air Force part time while pursuing a commercial aviation job. Best of both worlds.
Thanks so much! ROTC has always been a prospect, and Iāll certainly think about both routes. Again, thanks for your time and words of wisdom!
How has your experience been, being a gay man in the Air Force?
I appreciate that question, and it really has been nothing but positive. The culture in the military has changed since the old days and everyone Iāve encountered has been very respectful.
Hey Sam!
First off, I just want to say thank you for doing this. Iāve been watching and following you for a while and itās a honor to be able to ask you a question!
1: What sort of background in education do you have that prepared you for a job in photography and social media?
2: Do you have any plans of what you would like to do next after the Air Force?
3: Is your role in the Air Force considered non-combat? Or can you be called to action if necessary?
Thank you so much, Sam! I look forward to hearing your answers!
Hey Jarrett!
Thanks so much for you support š
Thanks for the questions! Hope that helped!
Hi Sam!
Thanks for joining us. I have two questions for you:
Thank you!
Hey Erin!
My biggest inspiration is less of a single individual or person, and more of all of the people that enjoy seeing the content I produce and might be inspired to either serve in the military or just pursue a career field that they enjoy in life. Thatās the coolest thing and reading the positive comments and DMs from people out there who have actually been positively impacted by my stuff is definitely my biggest inspiration.
if you want to get into my field of work, particularly in the Air Force, first off, reach out to your local recruiter. Build a relationship with them, and see what openings they have available and when. Other than that, do your research into the Air Force. Itās not for everyone and you need to make sure that everything that comes with it is something youāre down for. Oh yah… and pick up and camera and start practicing!!
Hey Sam!
What is the most difficult part of your work in your opinion?
Thanks!
Great question! It sometimes feels like the Air Force (and military in general) is a little behind when it comes to utilizing social media and optimizing it to get the biggest results. I have a lot of crazy ideas and I sometimes have to do quite a bit of explaining until Iām given the green light. It can be a bit frustrating, but I understand that social media is still a relatively new thing. Hopefully the people in the high up positions start to understand more and more how powerful social media is for both recruiting and telling our militaryās story! Because I seriously think the sky will be the limit with what is able to be produced.
Thanks for your answer Sam!
Hi Sam,
What positive influences does social media have on the mission of the Air Force?
Recruiting is the biggest for sure. Social media gives you the opportunity to reach such a large and diverse audience which is exactly the target of our Air Forceās recruiting mission. Other than that, SM really just gives the military an ability to share what it is that they are doing with the taxpayers… the public. Whether thatās an exercise overseas with aircraft flying, or a personal Airmanās story, social media creates a platform for those stories to be told.
Hey Sam!
Do you currently have your private pilot’s license or any other FAA certification at the moment?
When did you start doing photography for the air force?
While I spent A TON of time in aircraft and around aircraft (I love airplanes), Iām not a pilot myself. No plans to get my PPL anytime soon. Just loving what Iām doing too much.
Started photography for the Air Force in the summer of 2018.
do you have a favorite photograph?
Definitely the F-22/Blue Angels shot I got from the back of a CASA-212 over the coast of South Carolina.
Heyy Sam, so good to have a chance to ask question to you.
Question: How did you end up as a Social media content creator after being the 1st Lieutenant of the United States Air Force?
It actually just started with my career field. Itās called Public Affairs. Essentially we are the content creators for the Air Force. Pretty cool job not many people know about.
Sounds like a pretty cool job. Thank You.
Can you describe the moment that it became real to you that you could combine your 2 passions/interests into a full time job.
My first air show was at Davis-Monthan AFB in AZ and I had the chance to go up in a C-130 for a Combat Search and Rescue Demo. We did what felt like a vertical takeoff and I soon found myself strapped in with the ramp down, feet dangling out the back as A-10s flew behind. It was pretty epic and it hit me that like… wow… this is my job.
Hi Sam! It’s a great pleasure to have you have!
I have a few questions for you.
Thanks in advance!
My dad actually served in the Air Force. He was a tanker pilot and actually still flies for AA now. He inspired me to join.
Havenāt played it before! Iām more of an Ace Combat guy myself š
Awesome! Thank you so much!
Welcome Sam and thank you for coming to do this AMA with us! Two questions:
Hey Kyle! Thanks for having me.
I first got involved with doing social media for the Air Force after I was selected to travel with the F-22 Demo Team in the spring of 2019.
One memory Iāll never forget is traveling to Singapore with the team. First time ever the F-22 performed in the country and the fans, letās just say, LOVED IT.
So cool, thank you!
What do love the most about your job?
Having a platform to interact with such a large audience. I love connecting with different people and hopefully inspiring them along the way.