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TWS Ribbon Bar |
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Service Photo |
Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USAF Retired
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Current/Last Rank
First Sergeant (E-7)
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Current/Last Primary AFSC/MOS
8F000-First Sergeant
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Current/Last AFSC Group
Special Duty
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Primary Unit
1999-2002, 8F000, 66th Rescue Squadron
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Previously Held AFSC/MOS
70250-Administrative Specialist
3A0X1-Information Management
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Service Years
1978 - 2002
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1981-1985, 70250, 474th Aircraft Generation Squadron
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1985-1991, 70250, AFROTC (Cadre) Det 442 University of Missouri
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1991-1992, 3A0X1, 37th Fighter Wing
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1992-1993, 3A0X1, 27th Security Forces Squadron
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1993-1994, 27th Fighter Wing
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1994-1995, 3A0X1, 85th Mission Support Squadron
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1995-1997, 3A0X1, 57th Equipment Maintenance Squadron
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1997-1998, 8F000, 57th Logistics Support Squadron
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1998-1999, 8F000, 99th Communications Squadron
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1999-2002, 8F000, 66th Rescue Squadron
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Reflections on 1stSgt Brant's
US Air Force Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
I always wanted to be in the military for as long as I can remember. As a child, I had G.I. Joe's and used to build battlefields in the garden behind the garage. As a former Airmen himself, my father, Gary Brant, was probably my biggest influence to join the Air Force. He was also my biggest cheerleader while I was on active duty. I remember looking at his service pictures when I was a kid and imagining what it would be like to serve in the military. When I was growing up, there weren't many jobs where we lived, I wasn't a good student and was failing in school. The military seemed like a good place to gain some discipline and learn a trade. It was much more than I ever imagined.
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WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I started as a combat engineer in the Ohio Army National Guard in 1978. I attended Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and attained the rank of Specialist 4. I also carried a secondary MOS as a Radio/Telephone Operator. In 1981, I transferred to the Air Force as a 702X0, Administration Specialist. I worked at an AFROTC detachment at the University of Missouri-Rolla for 6 years, then off to the F-117a, Stealth Fighter program at Tonopah Test Range, Nevada. I was NCOIC of the Base Honor Guard at Cannon AFB, made a trip to Iceland, and I finished my career as a First Sergeant.
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IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
I participated in Operation RESTORE HOPE in Mogadishu Somalia. I deployed with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force J-1. Mostly, I provided security for convoys traveling between the Red Roof Inn (Mogadishu Airport) and the Embassy Compound.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
There are so many it would be difficult to pick just one. Completing Army Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood was a rite-of-passage for me. It gave me the self-discipline and determination to make something of my life. For 6 years I was assigned to an AFROTC detachment where I helped prepare college students to become Air Force Officers. Giving them their first salute was always an honor and something I never took lightly. I still have the silver dollars. Through TWS, I have located a couple of my former cadets; I see a few have been promoted to Lt Col. If any happen to read this, I am still proud of you. One of the greatest honors I had was running the Honor Guard at Cannon AFB for 2 years. We had a great team. Memories I have that stand out do so because of the people I served with.
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OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
That would be the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal I received for Operation Restore Hope. That deployment changed my whole outlook on life as well as set the direction for my post-service employment. Having an opportunity to help people who truly needed it impacted my life in a major way and set the course for the job I have now. Second to that would be the First Sergeant's Diamond.
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WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Again, there are so many. I'll just name a few: Captain Guy Ketcham was my section commander when I was running the orderly rooms for the 37 EMS and 37 OSS. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I probably owe my career to him.
CMSgt Cliff Bolding was my first senior enlisted manager when I was in the 474th AGS. He showed me what a real Senior NCO was like. He had high standards and was tough, but very fair.
Lt Col Nay Postell was a model NCO when I knew him as a Staff Sergeant. After his commission, I had the pleasure of working with him as a Captain and Major in two different maintenance units. I was lucky enough to have him as my commander once I became a First Sergeant. He has great integrity and taught me how to show an entire squadron I cared. Under his leadership, I truly learned with the phrase "People are my Business" meant.
These folks, and much more inspired me to keep going when I wanted to stop and helped me up when I was down. They've earned my deepest appreciation.
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CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
None I should put in print! I would have to change the names to protect the guilty.
Let's see, numerous barracks parties, practical jokes, a couple of good TDYs (and, of course, those things need to stay TDY), events like naming ceremonies in the Green Room at the 66 RQS (don't ask), a few First Sergeant calls.
Yup, like I said, nothing I should put in print.
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WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I currently work as the Human Resources Manager for a homeless and domestic violence shelter in Las Vegas, NV.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am still a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. Although I am not actively participating in our local chapter, they do lobby for us in Washington and that alone make them worthy of support.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
My career in the military gave me a skill set not found in most civilian employees. I think the dedication and professionalism I learned in the military has made me successful in life. I learned not to take life for granted and that no one owes you anything. You have to do something positive before you'll get rewarded for it. The military gave me an opportunity to go places, meet people and do things most don't even think about. All these experiences made me who I am today and shape the way I look at life.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Make the most out of every opportunity you're given. You have opportunities in the military you'll never get anywhere else. Live each day to its fullest and cherish the friendships. Never forget you are pursuing a noble cause, the God given right to live free. Those who paved the way for you now pray for your safety and wisdom. God speed.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
| TWS and The USAF |
I have been reconnected with a few folks I lost track of. This is a great project! DS 5/19/17
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