CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Airman 1st Class Brandon Dehond is a loadmaster journeyman for the 15th Airlift Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for almost two years.
As a loadmaster journeyman, he is responsible for the safe loading and off-loading of the aircraft cargo. He computes the weight, balance and the center of gravity for the cargo. He also provides for the safety and comfort of passengers and troops along with the security of the cargo.
"I thoroughly enjoy my job and the opportunity to serve my country and have visited 42 countries during my short time in the Air Force," said Airman Dehond. "When I was deployed, I had the privilege of helping transport Secretary of Defense, Dr. Robert Gates, from Israel to Bagdad. During that same four-month deployment, I helped safely move more than six million pounds of cargo. It is very satisfying to see happy faces when I deliver cargo 'on time and on target.' I am proud to be a member of the 15 AS."
This "warrior of the week" is a farm boy who hails from Rochester, New York, and has been in the Air Force since June 2005.
"My family is very patriotic and I joined the Air Force to follow in my father's footsteps, and I wanted to continue my education," said Airman Dehond. "I had just completed my associate degree from Monroe Community College in Rochester and I knew I could continue to pursue my bachelor degree while in the Air Force. I am attending Southern Illinois University in pursuit of that bachelor degree."
"Airman Dehond is a dedicated and unequaled member beyond the everyday standards of today's Airman," said Tech. Sgt. James Bonk, 15 AS section chief of current operations.