Speaking from experience of doing both, I personally enjoy having the regional gig. Tight budget at the squadron? Fly the regional. Sick of deadheading and reserve? Fly at the squadron. It is so easy to do both. You always have work available. Commuting is the real game changer. Don't do it. Given, if you have a family that changes things. Also, with the way things have changed with the AF, my sanity only lasts so long at the squadron. F2F, OPR's, CBT's, etc get old real fast. 2-3 days and I'm ready to get off base. C-17 time is extremely valuable and you will make it to a major soon. My advice is do what makes you the most happy, along with your family. Just my .02 as a single dude.