Detachment 028 Cadre

Colonel Russell O. Davis

Colonel Russell O. Davis is the Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 028, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona. He is responsible for recruiting, educating, training, motivating, selecting and commissioning officer candidates through a comprehensive college program. Colonel Davis provides academic instruction on National Strategy, Air Force history, International Relations and leadership as he prepares future officers for active duty service.

Colonel Davis entered the Air Force via the Delayed Enlistment Program shortly after graduating from Kearns High School in 1992. Following four years of enlisted service, he earned his commission as a distinguished graduate from the Air Force Officer Training School in August 1996. At the tactical level, he has served as an Instructor Minuteman Ill Launch Control Officer and a KC-135 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot. His operational experience includes multiple combat deployments supporting operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Joint Guardian, Northern Watch and Noble Eagle.

His staff experience is extensive, having served as the Director of the Strategy Directorate in the 618th Air Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center), Headquarters Third Air Force, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Headquarters United States Transportation Command and Headquarters United States Pacific Command. Additionally, Colonel Davis served as a military professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies as a U.S. Air Force Blue Horizons Fellow. He most recently served in the United States Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, as the Air Attache. As the senior U.S. Airmen in Egypt, he represented the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force for all Egyptian Air Force and Ministry of Defense-level interactions. Additionally, as an Instructor Pilot, he led flight operations for the assigned C-12 supporting the Defense Intelligence Agency throughout North Africa and the Middle East.

Additionally, he has commanded at multiple levels, including Flight Command positions in both MMIII missiles and flight operations; deployed Squadron Command of a KC-135 squadron in Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan; and served as the Commander of the largest Mobility Operations Group in the Air Force. While serving as an Operations Group Commander, Colonel Davis also led Mobility Guardian 2019, Air Mobility Command's largest and longest multi-national global mobility exercise at the time, as the Air Boss and Expeditionary Operations Group Commander. In that capacity, he oversaw the successful execution of 388 airland, airdrop, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation missions executed by 52 mobility aircraft from 26 different partner and ally nations.

Education

• 1995 - Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
• 1995 - Bachelor of Science in Systems Mgmt., Summa Cum Laude, Colorado Technical Univ, Colorado Springs, Colo.
• 1999 - Master of Business Administration, Graduate Honors, Regis University, Denver, Colo.
• 2003 - Squadron Officers School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
• 2009 - Air Force Fellows, Joint Mobility Fellow, Scott AFB, Ill.
• 2010 - Master of Military Arts & Science, School of Advanced Military Studies, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
• 2012 - Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
• 2017 - Advanced Security Cooperation Course, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii
• 2017 - Blue Horizons Fellowship, USAF Center for Strategy and Technology, Maxwell AFB, AL; Camp H.M. Smith, and the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii
• 2017 - Master of Science, Airpower Strategy and Technology Integration, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
• 2017 - Joint and Combined Forces Staff College, Joint Professional Military Education Level II, Norfolk, Va.
• 2020 - Joint Military Attaché School, Bolling AFB, DC

Assignments

• August 1992-September 1992, Basic Trainee, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
• September 1992-January 1993, Student, Principles of Electronics, Keesler AFB, Miss.
• January 1993-May 1996, Crew Chief, Computer Maintenance, 721st Communications Squadron, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo.
• May 1996-August 1996, Officer Trainee, United States Air Force Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
• August 1996-May 1997, Student, Undergraduate Space & Missile Training, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
• May 1997-November 2000, Missile Combat Crew Commander; Instructor; Senior Flight Commander, 320th Missile Squadron and 90th Operations Support Squadron, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.
• November 2000-March 2002, Student, Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla.
• March 2002-July 2002, Student, KC-135R Pilot Initial Qualification, 54th Combat Crew Training Squadron, Altus AFB, Okla.
• July 2002-November 2005, Operations Group Executive Officer; 319th Operations Group; Instructor Pilot and Assistant Ops Officer, 905th Air Refueling Squadron, Grand Forks AFB, N.D.
• November 2005-September 2007, Readiness Flight Commander; Mobility Assistant Operations Officer; Chief Pilot; Chief, Standardization & Evaluation, 100th Operations Group, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom
• April 2007-June 2008, Executive Officer to the Vice Commander, 3rd Air Force, RAF Mildenhall, UK
• June 2008-June 2009, Joint Mobility fellow, Strategic Plans and Programs Division (A8P); Commanders Action Group (CAG), HQ Air Mobility Command; and Congressional Affairs, United States Transportation Command, Scott AFB, Ill.
• June 2009-June 2010, Student, School of Advanced Military Studies, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
• June 2010-May 2012, Chief of Strategy and Requirements Development; Chief, Strategy and Theater Posture Branch, Strategy, Policy and Requirements Division; Directorate of Operations, Plans, Requirements & Programs, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
• May 2012-April 2013, Commander, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Transit Center Manas, Kyrgyz Republic and Detachment 1, Mazar e Sharif, Afghanistan United States Central Command
• May 2013 -May 2015, Chief, East and South-East Asia Contingency Plans Branch; USPACOM Senior Planner; Deputy Chief, Strategic Plans Division (J54); Strategy, Planning Directorate, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii
• May 2015-August 2015, Senior Program Manager, China Strategic Initiative, China Strategic Focus Group (JOO), Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii
• August 2015-July 2016, USPACOM Senior Strategist; Deputy Chief, Strategy and Policy Division (J56); Strategy, Planning Directorate, Headquarters, United States Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii
• July 2016-June 2017, Blue Horizons Fellow, USAF Center for Strategy and Technology, Maxwell AFB, Alabama and Military Professor at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii
• June 2017-July 2018, Director, Strategy Directorate (SRO), 618th Air Operations Center, Scott AFB, Ill.
• July 2018-June 2020, Commander, 92nd Operations Group, Fairchild AFB, Wash.
• June 2020-August 2021, Student, Egyptian Arabic, Defense Language Institute and Joint Military Attaché School, Washington, D.C.
• August 2021-August 2023, United States Air Attaché to the Arab Republic of Egypt, United States Embassy, Cairo, Egypt
• August 2023-Present, Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies, AFROTC Detachment 28, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.

Summary of Joint Assignments

• May 2013-May 2015, Chief, East and South-East Asia Contingency Plans Branch; USPACOM Senior Planner; Deputy Chief, Strategic Plans Division (J54); Strategy, Planning Directorate, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, as a Lieutenant Colonel
• May 2015-August 2015, Senior Program Manager, China Strategic Initiative, China Strategic Focus Group (J00); Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, as a Lieutenant Colonel
• August 2015-July 2016, USPACOM Senior Strategist; Deputy Chief, Strategy and Policy Division (J56); Strategy, Planning Directorate, Headquarters, United States Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, as a Lieutenant Colonel
• August 2021-August 2023, United States Air Attaché to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Defense Intelligence Agency, as a Colonel

Flight Information

• Rating: Command Pilot
• Flight Hours: More than 2,700, including 730 combat hours
• Aircraft Flown/Weapon Systems Qualified: T-37, T-1, KC-135R/T, C-12C/D, Minuteman Ill ICBM

Major Awards and Decorations

• Legion of Merit
• Bronze Star
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leave Cluster
• Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters
• Air Medal with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster
• Aerial Achievement Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Joint Service Achievement Medal
• Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with Four Oak Leak Clusters and "N" Device
• Air Force Good Conduct Medal

Effective Dates of Promotion

• Second Lieutenant - Aug. 10, 1996
• First Lieutenant - Aug. 10, 1998
• Captain - Aug. 10, 2000
• Major - Aug. 1, 2006
• Lieutenant Colonel - Nov. 1, 2011
• Colonel - Jan. 1, 2018

(Current as of August 2023)

Major Christopher Pope

Major Christopher Pope is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona.

Major Pope was commissioned in 2010 as a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program at the University of Washington. After completing Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, he was assigned to the MC-12W Liberty with the 427th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, California. He deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, and flew more than 200 combat missions with the 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Resolute Support and Freedom’s Sentinel.

Major Pope remained at Beale Air Force Base for his next assignment in Remotely Piloted Aircraft operations flying the RQ-4 Global Hawk with the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron. As an instructor and evaluator pilot, he flew missions in multiple theaters across the globe, including a deployment to southwest Asia for Launch and Recovery operations. 

Next, Major Pope was assigned to the 558th Flying Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio Randolph, Texas, as an instructor for Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training. He was Chief of Standards and Evaluation, course director for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Instrument Qualification Course, and a T-6A simulator instructor and evaluator.

Major Pope is a senior pilot with 1,300 hours, including 1,000 combat hours, in the MC-12W Liberty. He has 600 hours in the RQ-4 Global Hawk, including 200 combat hours.

Education

• 2006 - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Wash.
• 2009 - Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.
• 2011 - Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
• 2016 - Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Assignments

• May 2011-December 2012, Student Pilot, 80th Flying Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
• December 2012-December 2013, MC-12W Pilot, 427th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
• December 2013-October 2014, MC-12W Pilot, 489th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
• October 2014-July 2015, MC-12W Aircraft Commander, 427th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
• July 2015-October 2015, Student, RQ-4 Training, 12th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
• October 2015-November 2016, RQ-4 Pilot, Chief of Scheduling, 12th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
• November 2016-November 2017, Assistant Flight Commander, 12th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
• November 2017-March 2018, Flight Commander, 12th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
• March 2018-September 2019, RQ-4 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot, Commander’s Action Group, 12th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
• September 2019-March 2021, Undergraduate RPA Training Instructor, Chief of Standards and Evaluation, 558th Flying Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio Randolph, Texas
• March 2021-May 2022, Undergraduate RPA Training Instructor and Evaluator, RPA Instrument Qualification Course Director, 558th Flying Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio Randolph, Texas
• May 2022-Present, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force ROTC Detachment 028, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.

Flight Information

• Rating: Senior Pilot
• Flight Hours: More than 2,100 hours, including 1,300 combat hours
• Aircraft Flown: MC-12W, BE350, RQ-4B

Major Awards and Decorations

• Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters
• Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
• Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
• Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• National Defense Service Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Humanitarian Service Medal
• Nuclear Deterrence Operation Service Medal
• NATO Medal

Effective Dates of Promotion

• Second Lieutenant - Sept. 9, 2010
• First Lieutenant - Sept. 9, 2012
• Captain - Sept. 9, 2014
• Major - July 1, 2020

(Current as of June 2022)

Major Joshua J. Acosta

Major Joshua Acosta is the Recruiting Officer and Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 028, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott, Arizona. He is responsible for the instruction and development of over 250 cadets. As an experienced B-52 instructor & evaluator weapon systems officer, he provides unique experience and perspective in nuclear and conventional military operations.

Captain Acosta was born in Anaheim, Calif. He entered the Air Force in December 2009, as an Airman First Class as a Fuels Management Apprentice. He was selected to attend Officer Training School in 2016 and attended Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fl. Upon completion of Undergraduate CSO Training, Captain Acosta was chosen to fly the B-52H at Barksdale AFB, La. as a Weapon Systems Officer. At the 20th Bomb Squadron and 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale AFB, he served in a variety of roles in support of B-52 operations, upgrading from an inexperienced to an Evaluator WSO. Serving at the 49th TES he made critical contributions to the many B-52 modernization programs, ranging from avionics software to launching a hypersonic weapon.

Education

• 2013 - Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Md.
• 2021 - Master of Arts in Psychology, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Ky.

Assignments

• April 2015-June 2016, Student, Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training, NAS Pensacola, Fla.
• June 2016-April 2017, Student, B-52 Dual Seat Navigator Training, 11 Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
• April 2017-August 2017, B-52 WSO, 20 Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
• August 2017-January 2019, Reports Officer and B-52 WSO, 20 Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
• January 2019-January 2020, Flight Scheduler and B-52 WSO, 20 Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
• January 2020-January 2021, B-52 Instructor & WSO Weapons and Tactics Officer, 20 Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
• January 2021-July 2022, B-52 Instructor WSO & Deputy Chief of Standardization and Evaluations, 20 Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
• July 2022-June 2024, Flight Commander, Software & B-52 Instructor WSO, 49 Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
• June 2024-Present, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, AFROTC Department 028, Prescott, Ariz.

Flight Information

• Rating: Evaluator Weapons Systems Officer
• Flight Hours: More than 1,500
• Aircraft Flown: T-6, T-1, B-52H

Major Awards and Decorations

• Air Medal
• Aerial Achievement Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal
• Air Force Achievement Medal

Effective Dates of Promotion

• Second Lieutenant - April 16, 2015
• First Lieutenant - April 16, 2017
• Captain - April 16, 2019
• Major December 1, 2024

(Current as of December 2024)

Major John P. Conner

Major John P. Conner is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona.

Maj. Conner earned his commission in 2014 from AFROTC Det 035 at California State University of Fresno after graduating with high honors with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He was competitively selected as a Combat Rescue Officer in 2014 and acquired skills as a static-line parachutist, military freefall parachutist and combat diver. His first assignment was to the 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis Monthan Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona, responsible for training, equipping and deploying 17 Pararescuemen, Combat Rescue Officers, and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Specialists for combat deployments.

Afterward, he was assigned to 321st Special Tactics Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, where he led 16 Special Warfare Airmen as a Flight Commander providing global access, precision strike and personnel recovery capabilities in support of Special Operations Command-Europe objectives.

Maj. Conner has deployed several times, with over 13 months deployed in support of combat operations in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa, as well as participating in numerous joint and international exercises and humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.

Prior to his current position, Maj. Conner was the Deputy Division Chief of Future Operations for 352d Special Operations Wing, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, where he planned and integrated special tactics operators and specialized support with SOF aviation to conduct all-domain Special Operations support across the European Combatant Command theater.

Education

• 2014 - Bachelor of Science, Nursing, California State University of Fresno
• 2020 - Squadron Officer School, Virtual In-Residence-Remote, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

Assignments

• May 2015-July 2015, Honor Graduate, Pararescue Indoctrination Course, Lackland AFB, Texas
• August 2015-March 2017, Combat Rescue Officer Trainee, Pararescue Pipeline, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
• April 2017-May 2018, Team Commander, 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
• June 2018-May 2020, Assistant Flight Commander, 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
• June 2020-April 2021, OIC of Standard and Evaluation, 321st Special Tactics Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, UK
• May 2021-April 2022, Flight Commander, 321st Special Tactics Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, UK
• May 2022-April 2023, A35 Deputy Division Chief, 352d Special Operations Wing, RAF Mildenhall, UK
• May 2023-Present, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, AFROTC Det 028, ERAU, Prescott, Ariz.

Major Awards and Decorations

• Air Medal
• Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf cluster

Effective Dates of Promotion

• Second Lieutenant - May 1, 2014
• First Lieutenant - May 1, 2016
• Captain - May 1, 2018
• Major - Feb. 1, 2024

(Current as of February 2024)

Captain Avril M. Sammis

Captain Avril M. Sammis is the Assistant Operations Officer for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 028 at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.

Capt. Sammis enlisted in the Air Force in June 2005, working as a services apprentice, protocol specialist and recruiter before commissioning through Officer Training School in March 2016. After completing training at Vandenberg SFB, California, as a missileer, she served in a variety of positions in the 490th Missile Squadron, including mission lead crew commander, assistant flight commander, instructor and evaluator. Prior to her current position, she was a flight commander in the 490th Missile Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Montana.

Education

• 2008 - Airman Leadership School, Peterson SFB, Colo.
• 2008 - Bachelor of Science, Organizational and Project Management, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, Colo.
• 2018 - Master of Business Administration, Business Management, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Ariz.
• 2021 - Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Assignments

• June 2005-August 2005, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
• August 2005-October 2005, Student, Air Force Services Course, Lackland AFB, Texas
• October 2005-March 2007, Fitness Center Apprentice, 21st Services Squadron, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo.
• March 2007-August 2009, Protocol Specialist, 21st Space Wing, Peterson SFB, Colo.
• January 2008-May 2008, Protocol Specialist, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait
• August 2009-October 2012, Enlisted and Officer Accessions Recruiter, 369th Recruiting Squadron, Encino, Calif.
• October 2012-December 2015, Military Entrance Processing Station Liaison Supervisor, 344th Recruiting Squadron, Dallas, Texas
• January 2016-March 2016, Officer Training School, Maxwell, AFB, Ala.
• April 2016-October 2016, Student, Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Initial Qualification Training, 532nd Training Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, Calif.
• October 2016-April 2021, Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander, Missile Combat Crew Commander, Assistant Flight Commander, Instructor, Evaluator, Flight Commander, 490th Missile Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
• April 2021-July 2022, Deputy Director of Inspections, 341 Missile Wing Inspector General, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
• July 2022-June 2023, Recruiting Officer, Air Force ROTC Detachment 028, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.
• June-2024-Present, Assistant Operations Officer, Air Force ROTC Detachment 028, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.

Major Awards and Decorations

• Air and Space Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters
• Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with “N” device

Effective Dates of Promotion

• Airman First Class - June 21, 2005
• Senior Airman - April 21, 2007
• Staff Sergeant - June 1, 2009
• Technical Sergeant - June 1, 2013
• Second Lieutenant - March 11, 2016
• First Lieutenant - March 11, 2018
• Captain - March 11, 2020

(Current as of June 2024)

Captain Adam M. Smith

Captain Adam Smith is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.

Captain Smith enlisted in 2000 as an In-Flight Aerial Refueling Journeyman, where he was assigned to the KC-135R Stratotanker with the 912th Aerial Refueling Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. He deployed to Central Command 13 times in support of Operations Northern Watch, Infinite Justice, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Liberation, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Resolute Support and Freedom’s Sentinel.

Captain Smith cross-trained to become an MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper Sensor Operator stationed at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, in 2008, where he was assigned to reactivate the 15th, 17th, 18th and 22nd Attack Squadrons, flying missions in multiple theaters across the globe. Furthermore, in 2011, Captain Smith was assigned to the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, where he taught initial instruction in MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircraft.

Next, Captain Smith was commissioned through Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB and was assigned to the 89th Attack Squadron at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, as an instructor pilot. Lastly, Captain Smith was again assigned to the 6th Attack Squadron at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, as an evaluator pilot. While performing his evaluator duties as Wing Safety Officer, he investigated and determined costs and causes for 149 aircraft crashes and mishaps.

Captain Smith is a senior pilot with 9,000 flight hours, including 1,500 combat hours in the MQ-1 Predator, 3,000 in the MQ-9 Reaper, 3,000 in KC-135 Stratotanker and 1,500 in various general aviation aircraft.

Education

• 2003 - Associate of Arts, Aviation Operations, Community College of the Air Force
• 2005 - Airman Leadership School, Grand Forks Air Force Base, Ala.
• 2007 - Bachelor of Science, Professional Aeronautics, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University
• 2008 - Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
• 2009 - Associate of Arts, Air and Space Operations, Community College of the Air Force
• 2011 - Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education, Fort Dix, N.J.
• 2017 - Master of Science, Master's in Business Administration, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University

Assignments

• July 2000-September 2000, Student Boom Operator, 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Okla.
• September 2000-June 2008, Evaluator Boom Operator, 319th Air Refueling Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.
• June 2008-July 2011, Instructor Sensor Operator, 42nd Wing, Creech Air Force Base, Nev.
• July 2011-December 2015, Evaluator Sensor Operator, 49th Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.
• December 2015-March 2016, Officer Training School, 42nd Air Base Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
• March 2016-February 2017, Student Pilot, 558th Flying Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio Randolph, Texas
• February 2017-February 2018, Tactics Officer/MQ-9 Pilot, 89th Attack Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.
• February 2018-July 2019, Awards and Decorations Officer/MQ-9 Pilot, 89th Attack Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.
• July 2019-September 2020, Squadron Assigned Flight Safety Officer/MQ-9 Instructor Pilot, 89th Attack Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.
• September 2020-August 2021, Assistant Flight Commander/MQ-9 Instructor Pilot, 89th Attack Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.
• August 2021-December 2021, Assistant Flight Commander/MQ-9 Instructor Pilot, 6th Attack Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.
• December 2021 -March 2023, Wing Flight Safety Officer/MQ-9 Instructor Pilot, 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.
• March 2023-September 2023, Flight Commander/MQ-9 Instructor Pilot, 6 Attack Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.
• September 2023-June 2024, Assistant Director of Operations/MQ-9 Evaluator Pilot, 6 Attack Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.
• June 2024-Present, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force ROTC Detachment 028, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.

Flight Information

• Rating: Senior Pilot, Chief Enlisted Aviator
• Flight Hours: More than 9,000, including 4,300 combat hours
• Aircraft Flown: MQ-9, MQ-1, T-6, KC-135R/T

Major Awards and Decorations

• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters
• Aerial Achievement Medal with 24 oak leaf clusters
• Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
• Air and Spece Achievement Medal
• Combat Readiness Medal with three oak leaf clusters
• National Defense Service Medal
• Armed Force Expeditionary Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one service star
• Iraq Campaign Medal with one service star
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Humanitarian Service Medal
• Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal - Five Service Stars
• Nuclear Deterrence Operation Service Medal

Effective Dates of Promotion

• Airman Basic - July 5, 2000
• Airman First Class - Aug. 18, 2000
• Senior Airman - Dec. 18, 2002
• Staff Sergeant - Aug. 1, 2004
• Senior Airman - July 4, 2005
• Staff Sergeant - Aug. 1, 2008
• Technical Sergeant - July 1, 2012
• Master Sergeant - July 1, 2015
• Second Lieutenant - March 11, 2016
• First Lieutenant - March 11, 2020
• Captain - March 11, 2020

(Current as of July 2024)

Master Sergeant Joshua Edwards

Master Sergeant Joshua A. Edwards is the Enlisted Training Instructor for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 028 at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona. He also performs administrative and personnel cadet actions for more than 300 cadets and seven cadre members.

Sergeant Edwards joined the Air Force in February 2008. After graduating from Basic Military Training, he completed the Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Apprentice Course at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, California. His military career began as a Vehicular Equipment Technician with the 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls, Montana. He performed maintenance on the 341st Missile Wing’s fleet of 709 general and special purpose vehicles. Sergent Edwards moved onto the 673rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in 2013, where he oversaw maintenance on a 950-vehicle fleet. Next, Sergeant Edwards was an Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Instructor at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, California, with over 3,000 hours of instruction. Sergeant Edwards has deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.

Education

• 2019 - Associate of Applied Science, Vehicle Maintenance, Community College of Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
• 2021 - Associate of Applied Science, Instructor of Technology and Military Science, Community College of Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
• 2023 - Bachelor of Science, Nutrition, Purdue Global Campus, West Lafayette, Ind.

Assignments

• August 2008-September 2013, Vehicle Maintenance Technician, Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, Mont.
• September 2013-February 2020, Section Chief, Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska
• March 2020-March 2024, Instructor Supervisor, Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, Calif.
• March 2024-Present, Enlisted Instructor, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 028, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.

Major Awards and Decorations

• Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters
• Air Force Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters
• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Achievement Medal
• 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron Airman of the Year, 2011
• 673rd Air Base Wing Logistic Readiness NCO of the Year, 2019
• 346th Training Squadron NCO of the Year, 2023

Effective Dates of Promotion

• Airman - February 2008
• Airman First Class - December 2008
• Senior Airman - February 2011
• Staff Sergeant - March 2013
• Technical Sergeant - January 2018
• Master Sergeant - September 2024

(Current as of September 2024)

Technical Sergeant Balla Traore

Technical Sergeant Balla M. Traore is the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Administration Management for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 028, at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona. Sergeant Traore is responsible for monitoring and updating all cadet pay actions to include scholarships, textbook funds and additional substance pay, which culminates to over $2.3 million annually. He also performs administrative and personnel cadet actions for over 300-plus cadets and seven cadre members.

Sergeant Traore joined the Air Force in December 2015. After graduation from Basic Military Training, he continued to complete the Administration Apprentice Course in 2016 at Kessler Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi. His military career began as an Administration Technician with the 621st Air Mobility Operations Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, where he provided guidance to squadron staff, ensuring publications and forms met specified style, formal, and legal statutory requirements. He also oversaw the commander’s calendar, evaluation and awards program for seven flights and 23 Air Force Specialty Codes. He then transitioned to the 423 Training Squadron, where he became Assistant Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Commander Support Staff. His responsibilities included the effective management of various commander-directed programs and 101 personnel. His extensive work and leadership as the NCOIC have led to such recognition  as the 2017 Berlin Airlift Humanitarian Mission of the Year Award, the 2018 Wing Airmen of the Quarter, the 2019 Air Force Association Multi-Domain Operations Award, the 2019 Group Airmen of the Quarter, and the 2020 Air Force Command and Control Small Unit of the Year Award.

Sergeant Traore deployed in October 2019 as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Unit Deployment Manager in the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Al Udied Air Base, Qatar. During his period, Sergeant Traore led his team through nine squadron deployment rotations, briefing and equipping over 338 personnel across nine career fields to successfully execute 2,135 combat sorties airlifting 72 million pounds of cargo and 37,766 passengers to austere airfields in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and Resolute Support missions.

Education

• 2020 - Associates, Community College of Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
• 2019 - Bachelor of Arts, Homeland Security & Emergency Management, The University of Arizona Global Campus, Chandler, Ariz.

Assignments

• December 2015 - February 2016, Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas
• February 2016 - March 2016, Student, Technical Training School, Keesler AFB, Miss.
• April 2016 - June 2020, Administrative Technician, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
• June 2020 - August 2022, Assistant NCOIC, Commander’s Support Staff, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
• August 2022 - Present, NCOIC Administration, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 028, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.

Major Awards and Decorations

• Air Medal with “C” Device
• Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
• Air Force Achievement Medal
• Gallant Unit Citation
• Meritorious Unit Award
• Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
• Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster
• AF Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
• National Defense Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Armed Forces Service Medal with one service star
• Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon
• Air and Space Longevity Service Award
• USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
• Air and Space Training Ribbon
• NATO Medal

Efective Dates of Promotion

• Airman First Class - Dec. 15, 2015
• Senior Airman - April 15, 2018
• Staff Sergeant - Feb. 1, 2020
• Technical Sergeant - June 1, 2023

(Current as of December 2023)

Staff Sergeant Teresa D. Guerrero

Staff Sergeant Teresa D. Guerrero is the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Cadet Actions for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 028 at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. Staff Sergeant Guerrero is responsible for monitoring and updating all cadet pay actions, including scholarships, textbook funds and additional substance pay, which culminates to over $2.3 million annually. She also performs administrative and personnel cadet actions for 300-plus cadets and seven cadre members.

Staff Sergeant Guerrero joined the Air Force in March 2006. After graduation from Basic Military Training, she continued to complete the Client Support Administration Course in 2006 at Kessler Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi. Her military career began as a Client Support Administrator with the 35th Operations Support Squadron in Misawa, Japan, where she was the Stan and Eval technician for the F-16 Fighter Pilots testing program, as well as being the squadron’s communication support in charge of the PEX server. During her time in Misawa, she deployed with the 13th Fighter Squadron to Iraq in 2008 as the Knowledge Operations technician. Staff Sergeant Guerrero then transitioned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, as a Knowledge Operations Technician for the 692nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Group. Her next assignment was to Clear Radar Station in Alaska as the Commander’s Executive Assistant, protocol manager and administrator for 20 active-duty members stationed on site. After her time in Alaska, she was assigned to Pope AFB in North Carolina, where she worked with the 21st Special Tactics Squadron as the NCOIC of Administration Management. Her last assignment was with the 11th Comptroller Squadron in Washington D.C as the cadre to the newly transitioned Joint base Anacostia-Bolling from Navy to Air Force. During her time at JBAB, she also had the opportunity to work as the Executive Services Assistant for the Wing/Base Commander.

Education

• March 2006-May 2006, Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas
• June 2006-July 2006, Student, Technical Training School, Keesler AFB, Miss.
• August 2006-August 2010, Client Support Administrator, Misawa AFB, Japan
• August 2010-October 2014, Knowledge Operations Manager, Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam, Hawaii
• October 2014-November 2015, Commander’s Executive Assistant, Clear Radar Station, Alaska
• November 2015-September 2020, NCOIC, Administration Management, Pope AFB, N.C.
• September 2020-May 2024, NCOIC, Command Support Staff, Joint Base Anacostia - Bolling, Washington D.C.
• May 2024-Present, NCOIC Cadet Actions, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 028, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott, Ariz.

Major Awards and Decorations

• Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
• Air and Space Achievement Medal
• Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
• Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
• Combat Readiness Medal
• AF Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters
• National Defense Service Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with “N” device
• Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Short
• Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
• Air and Space Longevity Service Award
• USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
• Air and Space Training Ribbon

Effective Dates of Promotion

• Airman Basic - March 28, 2006
• Airman - Sept. 28, 2006
• Airman First Class - July 28, 2007
• Senior Airman - March 28, 2009
• Staff Sergeant - Oct. 1, 2012

(Current as of June 2024)

Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Oliveri

Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Oliveri is the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Personnel for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 028 at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona. He is responsible for managing several areas of administrative support for the detachment, including coordination with the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center in support of career progression for Air Force Officer Candidates.

Sergeant Oliveri joined the Air Force in May 2016. After graduation from Basic Military Training, he continued on to complete the Administration Apprentice Course in August 2016 at Keesler Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi. His military career began as a postal clerk with Detachment 5 at RAF Alconbury, UK, distributing mail to all USAF members who were stationed and deployed in USAFE and AFAFRICA. He then made a Permanent Change of Station to Cannon AFB, where he joined the 56 Special Operations intelligence squadron as their CSS Technician, managing commanders' programs and over 200 intel members' administrative actions. Lastly, he moved to a brand new unit with the 27th Special Operations Munitions Squadron, where, as NCOIC/CSS, he was instrumental in standing up many of their programs and processes.