BASE LEADERSHIP

Base LEADERSHIP


BRIGADIER GENERAL MATTHEW G. "BRONCO" BRANCATO
Biography
BRIGADIER GENERAL MATTHEW G. "BRONCO" BRANCATO
Biography

Brig. Gen. Matthew G. Brancato is the Commander, 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. He is responsible for the readiness of more than 1,700 Air National Guardsmen in support of multiple federal and state missions, and he oversees flying missions for the A-10 and KC-135 aircraft. The 127th Wing is also host to 70 tenant units, including every branch of the military and several Department of Homeland Security organizations—totaling more than 5,000 active, Guard, Reserve, and civilian personnel. 


Brig. Gen. Brancato graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. After completing an overseas short tour at Aviano Air Base, Italy, he attended Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas where he flew the T-37B and T-1 aircraft, earning his pilot wings in 2001. His first flying assignment was at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, flying the C-17 Globemaster III in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. After three years and over 1,500 hours in the C-17, he returned to the US Air Force Academy to fly the TG-10 and TG-15 aircraft. In 2008, Brig. Gen. Brancato transferred to Hector Field ANGB, Fargo, North Dakota, and transitioned to fly the MQ-1B Predator Remotely Piloted Aircraft. While assigned to the 119th Operations Group in North Dakota, he served as the Executive Officer for the Operations Group Commander, and then as a Flight Commander and Director of Operations of the 178th Reconnaissance Squadron. In 2015, he became the RPA Functional Area Manager at the ANG Readiness Center at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He was responsible for all ANG Remotely Piloted Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platforms, including 12 RPA Wings, and a Classic Associate Unit at Creech AFB, Nevada. After his assignment at the ANGRC, he served as the 160th Attack Squadron Commander and then the 163d Operations Group Commander at March Air Reserve Base, California, where he commanded and led over 250 personnel, four squadrons, one weather flight and a Formal Training Unit. After his command tour in California, Brig. Gen. Brancato completed Senior Developmental Education at the National Defense University’s National War College. He then took command of the 164th Airlift Wing, Memphis, Tennessee. 


Prior to his current position, Brig. Gen. Brancato served as the Senior Executive Officer to the 29th Chief, National Guard Bureau and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In his civilian capacity, Brig. Gen. Brancato opened a non-profit wellness retreat center for military survivors and their families in 2014.


EDUCATION

1999 Bachelor of General Engineering, USAF Academy, Colo.

2005 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

2006 Master of Arts in Adult Education, Touro University International, Calif.

2008 Associate of Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology

2012 Air Command and Staff College, Correspondence

2017 Air War College, Correspondence

2020 Master of Science in National Security Strategy, National War College, Washington D.C.

2021 Commander Leadership Course, National Guard Bureau, Joint Base Andrews, MD

2021 Safety and Accident Investigation Board President Course, National Guard Bureau, Joint Base Andrews, MD

2021 Commander Legal Orientation Course, National Guard Bureau, Joint Base Andrews, MD

2022 U.S. Air Force Leading Strategically Program, Center for Creative Leadership, Colorado Springs, CO


ASSIGNMENTS

1. September 1999 - July 2000, Special Projects Officer, 603d Air Control Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy

2. July 2000 - December 2001, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin, Texas

3. December 2001 - May 2002, Assistant Chief of Readiness, C-17 Mission Pilot, 14th Airlift Squadron, Charleston AFB, S.C.

4. May 2002 - August 2004, Stan/Eval Liaison Officer, C-17 Airland/Airdrop Pilot, 14th Airlift Squadron, Charleston AFB, S.C.

5. August 2004 - February 2005, Pilot Scheduler, 14th Airlift Squadron, Charleston AFB, S.C.

6. February 2005 - November 2006, Chief of Training, 94th Flying Training Squadron, USAF Academy, Colo.

7. November 2006 - February 2008, Flight Commander, 94th Flying Training Squadron, USAF Academy, Colo.

8. February 2008 - May 2010, Chief of Scheduling, MQ-1 Instructor Pilot, 178th Reconnaissance Squadron, Fargo, N.D.

9. May 2010 - August 2011, Executive Officer, MQ-1 Instructor Pilot, 119th Operations Group, Fargo, N.D.

10. August 2011 - September 2012, Flight Commander, MQ-1 Instructor Pilot, 178th Reconnaissance Squadron, Fargo, N.D.

11. September 2012 - August 2014, Director of Operations, MQ-1 Instructor Pilot, 178th Reconnaissance Squadron, Fargo, N.D.

12. August 2014 - February 2017, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Functional Area Manager / MQ-1 Pilot, Joint Base Andrews, Md.

13. February 2017 - October 2017, Commander, 160th Attack Squadron, March ARB, Calif

14. October 2017 - June 2019, Commander, 163d Operations Group, March ARB, Calif.

15. June 2019 - July 2019, Advisor to National Guard Bureau A2/3/6/10 ISR Division, Joint Base Andrews, Md.

16. August 2019 - June 2020, National War College Student, National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

17. June 2020 - June 2022, Commander, 164th Airlift Wing, Memphis, Tenn.

18. June 2022 - July 2023, Executive Officer to the Chief, National Guard Bureau, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

19. August 2023 - Present, Commander, 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich.


SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS

1. June 2022 - July 2023, Executive Officer to the Chief, NGB, Pentagon, Washington, DC, as a Colonel


FLIGHT INFORMATION

Rating: Command Pilot

Flight Hours: 4,600

Aircraft Flown: T-37B, T-1, C-17, KC-135, TG-10, TG-15, MQ-1B, MQ-9


MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Defense Superior Service Medal

Legion of Merit

Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Air Medal

Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation Medal one oak leaf cluster

Air Force Achievement Medal

Combat Readiness Medal

NATO ISAF Service Medal


EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Second Lieutenant June 02, 1999

First Lieutenant June 02, 2001

Captain June 02, 2003

Major August 27, 2008

Lieutenant Colonel September 06, 2013

Colonel June 28, 2018

Brigadier General June 19, 2023


(Current as of August 2023)




CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT RICHARD D. GORDON
Biography
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT RICHARD D. GORDON
Biography

Chief Master Sgt. Richard D. Gordon is the Command Chief Master Sergeant, 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. He represents the highest level of enlisted leadership and is the principle advisor to the 127th Wing Commander. Chief Gordon is responsible for all matters influencing the health, morale, welfare, and professional development of Airmen assigned to the 127th Wing. The 127th Wing is home to more than 1,700 Citizen-Airmen operating both the A-10 and KC-135 aircraft, as well the host to more than 70 tenant organizations from all branches of the military and numerous Department of Homeland Security organizations. More than 5,000 Active, Guard, Reserve, and civilian personnel call Selfridge home.


Chief Gordon entered the Air Force in 1991, serving as a Fire Fighter assigned to the 927th Civil Engineering Squadron, U.S. Air Force Reserve, Selfridge ANGB, Michigan. In 1993 he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social and Criminal Justice from Central Michigan University. In 1994 he chose to serve his nation both as an Airman and a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and was assigned to the southwest border of the United States in his civilian capacity. In conjunction with his relocation to the southwest, Chief Gordon transferred to the 377th Wing, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, where he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve. In 2000 his civilian career brought him back home to Michigan when he transferred to the United States Border Patrol’s Detroit Sector. Chief Gordon enlisted with the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard. In 2014, Chief Gordon detailed to the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, where he served at the strategic level of leadership. While there, he worked directly with the Air Force First Sergeant Special Duty Manager to spearhead Total Force Initiatives, and authored a continuing education course for First Sergeants which is currently published by the Air Force Advanced Distributed Learning Service.


In his civilian capacity, Chief Gordon Served 25 years in the U.S. Border Patrol. In 1999 he served a one-year undercover assignment with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Trafficking Task Force in Southern New Mexico and West Texas. He was promoted to the position of Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in 2006 and in 2007, he detailed to Headquarters Border Patrol, Washington D.C., where he led a number of critical programs directly impacting recruitment, retention, and training Border Patrol Agency wide. Since then, he has served in such capacities as Deputy Director of Marine Operations, Sector Intelligence Unit Supervisor, Executive Officer, Sector Asset Forfeiture Officer, and Watch Commander. In October 2019 he retired as a Special Operations Supervisor assigned to U.S. Border Patrol, Detroit Sector Headquarters. Prior to his current assignment, Chief Gordon served as Command Chief, 110th Wing, Battle Creek ANGB, Michigan.


EDUCATION

1993 Bachelor of Science; Sociology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

2003 Associates Degree in Fire Science, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

2007 Satellite NCO Academy, McGhee Tyson, Tenn.

2007 Master of Science; Administration, Central Michigan University, Clinton Township, Mich.

2009 Air Force First Sergeant Academy, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

2011 Associates of Human Resource Management, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

2012 Professional Manager Certification, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

2014 Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Advanced Leadership Experience, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

2016 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I/II, National Defense University, by correspondence.

2016 Chief’s Executive Course, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md.

2017 Reserve Component National Security Course, National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington D.C.

2017 Command Chief Master Sergeant Orientation Course, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews AFB, Md.

2018 Continuous Process Improvement for Executives, Duke University, Durham, N.C.

2019 Enterprise Perspective Seminar, Alan L. Freed Associates Inc., Washington D.C.

2020 Leading Strategically, Centers for Creative Leadership, Colorado Springs, Colo.

2020 Transnational Issues Seminar, Alan L. Freed Associates Inc., Alexandria Va.

2021 Senior Enlisted Legal Orientation, Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School, by correspondence.

2021 Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar, Keenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.

2021 Air Force Command Chief’s Course, Joint Base Andrews, Md.


ASSIGNMENTS

1. May 1991–December 1994, Fire Fighter, 927th Civil Engineering Squadron, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

2. December 1994–May 1996, Fire Fighter, 377th Civil Engineering Squadron, Kirtland AFB, N.M.

3. June 2001–October 2009, Fire Fighter, 127th Civil Engineering Squadron, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

4. October 2009–March 2013, First Sergeant, 127th Security Forces Squadron, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

5. March 2013–September 2017, First Sergeant, 127th Wing, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

6. September 2017–March 2020, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 110th Attack Wing, Battle Creek ANGB, Mich.

7. March 2020–Present, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 127th Wing, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.


CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT

1. December 1994–July2000, U.S. Border Patrol, Patrol Agent, Las Cruces, N.M.

2. July 2000–July 2006, U.S. Border Patrol, Patrol Agent, Detroit, Mich.

3. July 2006–January 2014, U.S. Border Patrol, Supervisory Agent, Detroit, Mich.

4. January 2014–January 2015, U.S. Border Patrol, Supervisory Agent, CBP Air/Marine Branch, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

5. January 2015–January 2016, U.S. Border Patrol, Supervisory Agent, Sector Intelligence Unit, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

6. January 2016–July 2017, U.S. Border Patrol, Watch Commander, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

7. July 2017–October 2019, Special Operations Supervisor, U.S. Border Patrol, Detroit Sector, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.


MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATION

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Meritorious Unit Award


OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

NCO Academy Distinguished Graduate


EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Senior Airman June 8, 2001

Staff Sergeant July 1, 2003

Technical Sergeant October 1, 2005

Master Sergeant October 1, 2009

Senior Master Sergeant July 1, 2013

Chief Master Sergeant March 1, 2016


(Current as of September 2021)


COLONEL DAVID J. SPEHAR
Biography
COLONEL DAVID J. SPEHAR
Biography

Colonel David J. Spehar is the Vice Wing Commander, 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. Comprised of more than 2,500 authorized military, civilian, and contract personnel, the 127th Wing is largest Air National Guard Wing hosting more than 5,000 personnel from multiple services including more than 70 tenant organizations and 29 assigned aircraft. Colonel Spehar is responsible for daily operations of two military

weapons systems supporting two MAJCOM's with A-10C (ACC) and KC-135 (AMC) assigned aircraft. With oversight of more than $130 million annual budget, he ensures base programs, personnel, and policies directly support the Wing to continually optimize and

leverage combat ready capabilities.


Colonel Spehar graduated from the University of Akron and earned his commission through Air Force ROTC. After attending the Aircraft Maintenance and Munitions Officer Course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas he started his first assignment working with the F-117A Stealth Fighter at the 49th Maintenance Squadron, Holloman AFB, New Mexico. He held numerous leadership positions within the 49th Fighter Wing and was selected for an

assignment as Deputy Chief of Supportability and Low Observables for the Joint Strike Fighter and other Low Observable platforms at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio in 1996. In June 1999, after attending specialized training at Maxwell AFB, he earned his academic instructor rating and became an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Virginia Military Institute and Mary Baldwin College until departing active duty in October 2000.


Colonel Spehar arrived at the 127th Wing in November of 2000 and was assigned to the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as the F-16C Maintenance Operations Officer. He served in that capacity until being hired as the full time C-130E Deputy Director of Maintenance in the 127th Airlift Group on 3 March 2005. He earned his first command in the 191st Maintenance Operations Flight in September of 2005 and commanded his first squadron, the 191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, in June of 2007. He, along with a team of skilled professionals, led his squadron through a successful aircraft conversion, an

Operational Readiness Inspection and the 127th Wing’s first-ever Nuclear Operation Readiness Inspection in the KC-135T aircraft.


During his career, Colonel Spehar has deployed to combat zones as an operations officer and commander to Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Turkey supporting Operations Northern and Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Most recently, from April 4th 2015 through 24 October 2015, he commanded the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Group and Squadron composed of 300 total force Airmen supporting Operation Inherent Resolve at Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait. Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Spehar was the 127th Maintenance Group Commander, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan.


EDUCATION

1993 Bachelor of Arts in Business and Organization Communications, University of Akron, OH

1998 Masters of Science in Aeronautical Operations, Embry-Riddle University, Dayton, OH

2001 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL., by correspondence

2006 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL., by correspondence

2015 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL, by correspondence

2021 Masters of Science, Strategic Studies, US Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA, by correspondence


ASSIGNMENTS

1. January 1994–June 1994, Student, Officer Technical Training, 362nd Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Texas.

2. June 1994–September 1995, Commander, 49th Sortie Support Flight, 49th Logistics Group, Holloman AFB, NM.

3. September 1995–October 1996, Commander, 49th Sortie Generation Flight, 49th Logistics Group, Holloman AFB, N.M.

4. October 1996–September 1998, Acquisition/Logistics Manager, Joint Strike Fighter, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

5. September 1998–August 1999, Deputy Chief of Sustainment, F-117 SPO, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

6. August 1999–October 2000, Assistance Professor of Aerospace Studies, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Va.

7. December 2000–February 2003, Commander, Sortie Gen Flight, 127th Aircraft Generation Sqdn, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

8. February 2003–March 2005, Maintenance Operations Officer, 127th Aircraft Maintenance Sqdn, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

9. March 2005–September 2005, Maintenance Officer, 191st Maintenance Squadron, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

10. September 2005– June 2007, Commander, 191st Maintenance Operations Flight, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

11. June 2007–April 2012, Commander, 191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

12. April 2015–October 2015, Commander, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Group, Al Jaber AB, Kuwait.

13. April 2011–January 2016, Commander, 127th Maintenance Squadron, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

14. January 2016–January 2022, Commander, 127th Maintenance Group, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.

15. January 2022–Present, Vice Wing Commander, 127th Wing, Selfridge ANGB, Mich.


MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster

Air Force Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters

Joint Service Achievement Medal

Air Force Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters

Meritorious Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor with two Oak Leaf Clusters

Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters

National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and Oak Leaf Cluster

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two Mobility Devices

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with Bronze Star


EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Second Lieutenant September 20, 1993

First Lieutenant September 20, 1995

Captain September 20, 1997

Major October 4, 2001

Lieutenant Colonel October 4, 2008

Colonel September 15, 2016


(Current as of October 2022)

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