Det 157 has a staff that consists of a unit commander called a Professor of Aerospace Studies (PAS), officers called Assistant Professors of Aerospace Studies (APAS), a personnel Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge (NCOIC), an NCO support staff and a civilian administrative assistant.
Professor of Aerospace Studies (PAS)
Col Adams
Col Adams
Colonel Greg M. Adams is currently the Commander, 89th Operations Group, 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews, MD.
Colonel Adams graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in 2000, and entered the Air Force through the ROTC program. Upon commissioning, Colonel Adams attended Joint Student Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance AFB, OK. Upon graduation he completed RC135 pilot initial qualification training at Offutt AFB, NE, and was then assigned to the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron as an operational RC-135 pilot. During that time he attended Squadron Officer School at Maxwell AFB, AL, and received Top-Third Graduate and Outstanding Contributor. In March 2007, Colonel Adams was hand-selected for an ACCAMC cross-flow program to fly the C-5 Galaxy. While assigned to the 60 AMW at Travis AFB, CA, he served as evaluator pilot, assistant operations officer and wing executive officer. Colonel Adams served as the Aide de camp to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, has commanded at the squadron level, and completed a BACN deployment in Afghanistan
Education
- 2000 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, University of North Texas, Denton, TX.
- 2007 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL.
- 2010 Masters of Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL.
- 2012 Masters of Science and Technology Intelligence, National Intelligence University, Washington, DC.
- 2020 Masters of Science, National Security and Resource Strategy, Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, Ft. McNair, Washington, DC.
Assignments
- September 2000 - April 2001, Flight Crew Training Officer, Tinker AFB, OK.
- April 2001 - July 2002, student, Joint Student Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, OK.
- July 2002 - July 2003, student, RC-135 Initial Qualification Course, 338 Combat Training Squadron, Offutt AFB, NE.
- July 2003 - August 2004, Mobility Officer/RC-135S/U/W Pilot, 45 Reconnaissance Squadron, Offutt AFB, NE.
- August 2004 - July 2005, Pilot, RC-135S/U/W, 45 Reconnaissance Squadron, Offutt AFB, NE.
- July 2005 – May 2006, RC-135 Aircraft Commander Course, 338 Combat Training Squadron, Offutt AFB, NE.
- May 2006 – May 2007, Assistant Flight Commander/Aircraft Commander, 45 Reconnaissance Squadron, Offutt AFB, NE.
- April 2007 - July 2007, C-5 Pilot Qualification Course, 733 Training Squadron, Lackland AFB, TX.
- July 2007 - May 2008, Flight Commander/C-5 Pilot, 22 Airlift Squadron, Travis AFB, CA.
- May 2008 – May 2009, Assistant Operations Officer/C-5 Aircraft Commander, 60 Operations Support Squadron, Travis AFB, CA.
- May 2009 – June 2011, Wing Executive Officer/C-5 Evaluator Pilot, 60 AMW, Travis AFB, CA.
- July 2011 – July 2012, Student, National Intelligence University, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C.
- August 2012 - April 2013, Deputy Chief, Posture Strategy Branch, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein AB, Germany
- May 2013 - May 2014, Chief, Force Posture Branch, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein AB, Germany
- May 2014 - May 2016, Aide de camp to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander U.S. European Command, SHAPE, Belgium
- May 2016 – June 2018, Commander, 457th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, MD.
- June 2018 – August 2019, Chief, Strategic Airlift and Operational Support Aircraft Requirements, Pentagon, Arlington, VA. (Oct 18 – Jun 19, E-11A Evaluator Pilot, 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron, Kandahar AB, AFG)
- August 2019 – June 2020, Student, Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, Ft. McNair, Washington, D.C
- June 2020 – May 2021, Executive Assistant to the Commander, United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson AFB, CO.
- May 2021 – June 2022, Chief, Programs and Evaluations Division (J-8), United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson SFB, CO.
- June 2022 – Present, Commander, 89th Operations Group, Joint Base Andrews, MD
Flight Information
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight hours: 3,340
Aircraft flown: T-37, T-1, TC-135, RC-135S/W, C-5A/B/C, C-21A, E-11A, C-37A/B
Major Awards and Decorations
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal
- Aerial Achievement Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Meritorious Unit Award
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Effective Dates of Promotion
Second Lieutenant August 11, 2000
First Lieutenant August 11, 2002
Captain August 11, 2004
Major August 1, 2010
Lieutenant Colonel Nov 1, 2015
Colonel July 1, 2021
(Current as of 3 February 2024)
Director of Staff
Lt Col Pugliese
Lt Col Pugliese
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph N. Pugliese
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Pugliese is the Director of Staff and Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 157, encompassing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona State College, Stetson University and the University of Central Florida – Daytona Beach Campus. Lt. Col. Pugliese manages a staff of 15 active-duty officers and non-commissioned officers and is responsible for recruiting, training and educating Air Force officer candidates for a commission in the United States Air Force and Space Force.
Lt. Col. Pugliese received his undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico and was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program. Upon completing his graduate degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he was competitively selected as a Biomedical Service Corps officer serving as an aerospace physiologist in 2004.
Lt. Col. Pugliese has instructed at the U.S. Air Force Academy as a guest lecturer and facilitator. He has also taught NATO officers at the Inter-European Air Force Academy, where he led aviation safety and human factors training.
Lt. Col. Pugliese has logged flight hours in fighter, transport and rotor aircraft as a human performance consultant and has served as a physiology and human factors subject matter expert for multiple aviation and occupational class-A mishaps.
Education
- 2001 - Bachelor of Arts, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.
- 2002 - Certified Acquisition Professional (Program Management), Lackland AFB, Texas
- 2004 - Master of Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
- 2004 - Aerospace Physiologist (AP) Course, School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks City-Base, Texas
- 2006 - Certified Personal Trainer, Cooper Institute, Dallas, Texas
- 2007 - Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
- 2011 - Air Command and Staff College (non-residence)
- 2011 - Human Factors Fellowship (Air Force Institute of Technology), USAF Safety Center, N.M.
- 2012 - Chief of Safety Course, USAF Safety Center, N.M.
- 2016 - Intermediate Executive Skills Course, San Antonio, Texas
- 2017 - Risk Management Application and Integration Course, USAF Safety Center, N.M.
- 2019 - Safety Manager Course, USAF Safety Center, N.M.
Assignments
- September 2001-August 2004, Acquisitions Program Manager, Eglin AFB, Fla.
- September 2004-September 2008, Aerospace Physiologist, Peterson AFB, Colo.
- September 2008-August 2011, Aerospace Physiology Flight Commander, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho
- August 2011-August 2014, Human Factors Investigations, USAF Safety Center, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
- August 2014-June 2017: Flight Commander, Physiological Operations, Beale AFB, Calif.
- June 2017-July 2020, Chief, Human Factors Division, Ramstein AB, Germany
- August 2020-August 2023, Chief, Aircrew Flight Equipment Division, Eglin AFB, Fla.
- August 2023-June 2024, Command Aerospace Physiologist, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
- June 2024-Present, Director of Staff, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
- Air and Space Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- Air and Space Achievement Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Second Lieutenant - May 2001
- First Lieutenant - May 2003
- Captain - May 2005
- Major - January 2011
- Lieutenant Colonel - June 2017
(Current as of July 2024)
Assistant Professors of Aerospace Studies
Maj Augins
Maj Augins
Major Nicole L. Augins
Major Augins currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. She is responsible for educating and leading a cadet wing of over 400 Air Force Reserve Officer Training cadets.
Previously, Maj. Augins was a Strategic Planner (A5) for 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space) and Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR), Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. CONR-1AF (AFNORTH and AFSPACE) is a United States Air Force warfighting headquarters and Air Combat Command Numbered Air Force responsible for organizing, training, equipping and employing air and space power forces for NORAD, U.S. Space Command and U.S. Northern Command’s Homeland Defense, Security Cooperation and Civil Support missions. In addition, she is responsible for developing operational designs and concepts to ensure the enterprise is equipped with the best strategy, plans and resources to counter threats and effective responses to contingencies.
Maj. Augins earned her commission from Detachment 880 Reserve Officer Training Corps, Virginia Military Institute, in 2014.
- 2014 - Bachelor of Art in Modern Languages and Cultures (Arabic), Virginia Military Institute, Va.
- 2015 - Logistics Readiness Technical School, Sheppard AFB, Texas
- 2018 - Master of Arts in Executive Leadership, Liberty University
- 2019 - Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
Assignments
- March 2015-July 2016, Officer in Charge, Materiel Management Flight, 647th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
- July 2016-June 2017, Flight Commander, Distribution and Deployment Flight, 647th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
- June 2017-March 2018, Executive Officer to the Commander, 647th Air Base Group, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
- March 2018-August 2018, Flight Commander, Air Terminal Operations Center, 731st Air Mobility Squadron, Osan AB, Republic of Korea
- August 2018-March 2019, Flight Commander, Passenger and Fleet Services, 731st Air Mobility Squadron, Osan AB, Republic of Korea
- March 2019-March 2021, Commander, Detachment 2, 730th Air Mobility Squadron, Paya Lebar AB, Singapore
- March 2021-February 2022, Chief, Supply Chain Management, 1st Air Force and Air Forces Northern Command, Tyndall AFB, Fla.
- February 2022-June 2023, Strategic Planner, 1st Air Force and Air Forces Northern Command A4, Tyndall AFB, Fla. (Deployed November 2022-Present, Chief, Wing Exercises, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia)
- July 2023-Present, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
- Air and Space Achievement Medal
- Navy Achievement Medal
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Second Lieutenant - May 14, 2014
- First Lieutenant - Oct. 10, 2016
- Captain - Oct. 10, 2018
- Major - Mar. 1, 2024
(Current as of March 2024)
Maj Vella
Maj Vella
Major Christopher E. Vella
Major Vella currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Major Vella is charged with educating and leading a cadet wing of over 400 prospective Air Force officers.
Major Vella previously served as a Mission Manager overseeing the integration and operations of a portfolio of intelligence satellite launches for the Office of Space Launch at the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, Virginia. Major Vella also served as the Chief of Advanced Systems for the National Reconnaissance Office at the Aerospace Data Facility – East (ADF-E) in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. His responsibilities included assisting the ADF-E Commander in the strategic and technical operations of the NRO. Major Vella also served as an Executive Officer for the Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate, Los Angeles AFB, California. In that role, Major Vella directed front office operations and organizational development activities for the U.S. Air Force’s largest satellite communications development organization. Major Vella also served as the Lead Advanced Extremely High-Frequency Program Integrator where he was responsible for managing technical, financial and contractual operations to optimize the execution of a $700M annual budget, as well as the cost, schedule and performance of a $150M annual portfolio of capability enhancement projects, directly supplying urgent warfighter needs. He also served as Mission Support Flight Commander and Program Manager where he managed the budget and training operations flight of the 17th Test Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colorado.
Major Vella received his Masters of Business Administration from Baruch College in New York, New York in 2012. He was commissioned in 2013 through Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama.
Education
- 2005 - Bachelor of Science degree in History, Queens College-CUNY, Flushing, N.Y.
- 2012 - Masters of Business Administration, Baruch College-CUNY, New York, N.Y.
- 2013 - Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Ala.
- 2017 - Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Ala.
Assignments
- August 2013-August 2015, Program Manager, 17th Test Squadron, Schriever AFB, Colo.
- August 2015-August 2016, Flight Commander, 17th Test Squadron, Schriever AFB, Colo.
- August 2016-September 2018, Lead AEHF Program Integrator, Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate, Los Angeles AFB, Calif.
- September 2018-August 2019, Executive Officer, Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate, Los Angeles AFB, Calif.
- August 2019-August 2021, Program Manager, National Reconnaissance Office, Aerospace Data Facility – East, Fort Belvoir, Va.
- August 2021-July 2023, Mission Manager, National Reconnaissance Office, Office of Space Launch, Chantilly, Va.
- July 2023-Present, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
- Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Second Lieutenant - Aug. 6, 2013
- First Lieutenant - Aug. 6, 2015
- Captain - Aug. 6, 2017
- Major - Oct. 1, 2022
(Current as of July 2023)
Capt Mathis
Capt Mathis
Captain Vance G. Mathis
Captain Vance Mathis currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at USAF/ROTC Detachment 157, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach Florida. He is responsible for the education and training efforts of 620 cadets. Captain Mathis also assists with recruiting efforts across 1,100 square miles, including five universities and 22 high schools.
The captain enlisted in the Air Force in October 2014 as a traditional reservist assigned to the 920th Rescue Squadron, where he performed as an Aircraft Electrical & Environmental maintainer. He then earned his commission through ROTC at the University of Central Florida in February 2018. His first assignment was with the 505th Command and Control Wing as the Deputy Program Manager at Hurlburt Field, Florida. While there, he was the lead for planning and executing the Wing’s contract portfolio to support joint testing, training and tactics development. Captain Mathis then served as the Lead Program Manager for the 363d Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. He was the Wing’s sole services Acquisition Officer, managing a $65 million portfolio delivering over 300 subject matter experts executing the Air Force’s only targeting analysis and special operations cryptologic capability.
Education
- 2009 - Bachelor of Administration, Business Management, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
- 2022 - Master of Arts, Educational Technology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
Assignments
- October 2004-February 2018, Electrical & Environmental Specialist, 920 Rescue Squadron, Patrick SFB, Fla.
- August 2018-July 2021, Deputy Program Manager, 505 Command and Control Wing, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
- July 2021-July 2024, Lead Program Manager Intelligence Services, 363 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
- July 2024-Present, Assistant Professor of Aeronautical Studies, AFROTC/Det 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Air and Space Commendation Medal
- Air and Space Achievement Medal
- Aid and Space Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf cluster
- Meritorious Service Medal
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Airman First Class - Oct. 21, 2014
- Senior Airman - Aug. 21, 2015
- Second Lieutenant - July 22, 2018
- First Lieutenant - July 22, 2020
- Captain - July 26, 2022
(Current as of August 2024)
Maj Niez
Maj Niez
Major Joseph R. Niez
Major Joseph Niez is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 157, Daytona Beach, Florida. He is responsible for leading, recruiting, counseling, and evaluating 480 highly qualified men and women as Air and Space Force officer candidates. Additionally, he instructs a curriculum covering the foundations of the United States Air Force, History, Leadership and National Security Affairs.
Maj. Niez graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Research Meteorology, earning his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corp Program and later earning his navigator wings in 2013 from Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida. He has served in various assignments as an evaluator weapons system officer with more than 1,770 hours in the B-52H. Of note, he deployed supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom Sentinel, and accrued over 400 combat hours, striking over 140 targets. He was the lead Weapons System Officer for a combat operation that directly led to the safe recovery of two American civilians in danger of imminent capture by ISIL forces in Syria. His actions led to the recognition of his aircraft commander by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force for the 2017 Portraits in Courage award.
Maj. Niez was first assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron, where he took charge of squadron cyber security and equipment, maintaining over $700,000 worth of mission-essential material. He participated in the 2014 Bomber Assurance and Deterrence contingency deployment marking the return of B-52H presence in EUCOM since 2006. Maj. Niez later transitioned to the 20th Bomb Squadron revamping the weapons and tactics section. He deployed to INDOPACOM, served as expeditionary squadron head Liaison Officer to Pacific Air Forces, and then later returned to PACAF for an assignment to the 613 Air Operations Center, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Maj. Niez excelled in leading dynamic target execution for theater operations, earning recognition for superior performance as the top 5% of all participants during numerous joint exercises displaying USINDOPACOM warfighting capabilities.
Education
- 2011 - Bachelor of Science, Research Meteorology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
- 2013 - Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla.
- 2014 - B-52H Initial Qualification Training, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
- 2019 - Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
- 2019 - Strategic Deterrence Basic Course, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
- 2020 - Masters of Science, Engineering Management Technology, Louisiana Tech, Ruston, La.
- 2020 - Joint Air Operations Planning Course, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala
- 2021 - Graduate Certificate, Nuclear Weapons Effects, Policy, and Proliferation, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
- 2021 - Joint Firepower Course, Mobile Training Team, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
Assignments
- January 2012-June 2013, Student Combat Systems Operator, T–6/T–1, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla.
- June 2013-April 2014, Student, B-52 Initial Qualification Training, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
- April 2014-October 2015, B-52 Weapons Systems Officer, Cyber Equipment and Security Officer, 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
- October 2015-October 2016, Instructor Weapons Systems Officer, Deputy Chief of Safety, 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
- October 2016-November 2017, Instructor Weapons Systems Officer, Chief of Safety, 96th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
- November 2017-November 2018, Evaluator Weapons Systems Officer, Weapons and Tactics Officer, 20th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
- November 2018-July 2020, Evaluator Weapons Systems Officer, Team Chief Nuclear Plans and Exercises, 2nd Operations Support Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La.
- July 2020-Present, Deputy Chief, Offensive Operations, Combat Operations Division, 613th Air Operations Center, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
Flight Information
- Rating: Senior Navigator
- Flight Hours: More than 1,700
- Aircraft Flown: B-52H
Major Awards and Decorations
- Air Medal
- Aerial Achievement Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Meritorious Unit Award
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters
- Operation Inherent Resolve Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with “N” devise
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Second Lieutenant - Dec. 26, 2011
- First Lieutenant - Dec. 26, 2013
- Captain - Dec. 26, 2015
- Major - April 1, 2023
(Current as of September 2023)
Maj Wright
Maj Wright
Major Nicolas A. Wright
Major Nicolas A. Wright is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 157 encompassing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona State College, Stetson University and the University of Central Florida - Daytona Beach Campus. He is responsible for leading, recruiting, counseling and evaluating 480 highly qualified men and women as Air and Space Force Officer Candidates. Additionally, he instructs a curriculum covering the foundations of the United States Air Force history, leadership and National Security affairs.
Prior to this role, Major Wright was a UH-1N Instructor Pilot and Chief of Safety for the 316th Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. As the host wing for Joint Base Andrews, the 316th Wing provides security, personnel, contracting, finance, medical and infrastructure support for five wings, three headquarters and over 80 tenant organizations, as well as 60,000 Airmen and families in the National Capital Region and around the world.
Major Wright has deployed in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, serving as the Rotary Wing Operations Deputy Director. He also has experience as the Wing Executive Officer for the Installation Commander of Joint Base Andrews, Training Flight Commander for the 316th Operations Support Squadron, Resource Advisor of the 582d Operations Support Squadron, and Chief of Standardization and Evaluations for the largest AFGSC helicopter squadron. Major Wright received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2010.
- 2010 - Bachelor of Science in General Engineering, United State Air Force Academy, Colo.
- 2010 - Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
- 2014 - Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
- 2018 - Nuclear Weapons Effects, Policy and Proliferation Certificate, Air Force Institute of Technology, Ohio
- 2021 - Masters of Science in Aeronautics, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
- 2023 - Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by Correspondence
Assignments
- May 2010-September 2011, JSUPT Student Pilot, 33rd Flying Training Squadron, Vance AFB, Okla.
- September 2011-August 2012, SUPT-H Student Pilot, 23d Flying Training Squadron, Ft. Rucker, Ala.
- August 2012-February 2013, UH-1N Student Pilot, 512th Rescue Squadron, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
- February 2013-June 2013, Assistant Chief of Current Operations, 54th Helicopter Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.
- June 2013-April 2014, Executive Officer, 54th Helicopter Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.
- April 2014-October 2014, Assistant Chief of Tactics, 54th Helicopter Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.
- October 2014-March 2016, Chief of Tactics, 54th Helicopter Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.
- March 2016-February 2017, Chief of Safety, 37th Helicopter Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.
- February 2017-January 2018, Tactics Flight Commander, 37th Helicopter Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.
- January 2018-May 2019, Chief of Standardization and Evaluations, 37th Helicopter Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.
- May 2019-August 2020, Resource Advisor, 582d Operations Support Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.
- August 2020-June 2021, Training Flight Commander, 316th Operations Support Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
- June 2021-June 2022, Executive Officer, 316th Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
- June 2022-March 2024, Chief of Wing Flight Safety, 316th Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md. (Deputy Director, Rotary Wing Operations, OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait)
- March 2024-June 2024, Chief of Safety, 316th Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
- June 2024-Present, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force ROTC Detachment 157, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Flight Information
- Rating: Senior Pilot
- Flight Hours: More than 2,000
- Aircraft Flown: T-6A, UH-1H, TH-1H, UH-1N
Major Awards and Decorations
- Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
- Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Air and Space Commendation Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- Combat Readiness Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Armed Forces Service Medal
- Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with “N” Device and one oak leaf cluster
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Second Lieutenant - May 26, 2010
- First Lieutenant - May 26, 2012
- Captain - May 26, 2014
- Major - Feb. 1, 2020
(Current as of July 2024)
Capt Schaefer
Capt Schaefer
Captain Laura E. Schaefer
Captain Laura E. Schaefer is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 157, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. She is responsible for the recruitment, training and instruction of 457 highly qualified Air and Space Force Officers. She is also in charge of detachment recruiting for five cross-town universities and 22 high schools for the location of eastern Florida.
Capt. Schaefer is a 2017 graduate of Louisiana Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. She then went on to graduate at Western Governor’s University, where she earned a Master of Science in Management and Leadership. Capt. Schaefer then held a variety of positions within the Force Support career field at Barksdale AFB, LA. Additionally, she deployed to Prince Sultan AB, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
Education
- 2017 - Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Louisiana Tech University, La.
- 2020 - Master of Science Degree in Management and Leadership, Western Governor’s University, Utah
Assignments
- May 2017-June 2019, MAJCOM A1M Analyst, Barksdale AFB, La.
- July 2019-January 2020, OIC Force Management, Barksdale AFB, La.
- February 2020-Present, Deputy Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, United States Air Force Academy, Colo.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Second Lieutenant - May 24, 2017
- First Lieutenant - May 24, 2019
- Captain - May 24, 2021
(Current as of September 2023)
Enlisted Cadre
TSgt Hillegass
TSgt Hillegass
Technical Sergeant James P. Hillegass
Technical Sergeant James P. Hillegass is the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Detachment 157 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Air Force Reserve Officer Corps, Daytona Beach, Florida. As the senior enlisted NCO, TSgt Hillegass manages an office of three NCOs and oversees the execution of all administrative programs for the largest AFROTC detachment in the southeast region, supporting 450 cadets annually.
TSgt Hillegass entered active duty in February 2013 as a Water & Fuel Systems Maintenance Apprentice. His first duty assignment was at Misawa Air Base in Japan. He served as a Water & Fuel Systems Maintenance Journeyman at the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, where he earned his first Air Force Achievement Medal and was key to the squadron receiving the 2013 Clifton D. Wright Award for "Best Operations Flight in PACAF." In 2015, he was assigned to the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and served as a water plant operator. During this time, he received his second Air Force Achievement Medal and was critical to the capture of both the squadron Team of the Year and the Pacific Air Forces 2015 Outstanding Small Civil Engineer Unit Awards. From 2016 to 2020, TSgt Hillegass was assigned to the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy, where he earned his Fire Suppression Certification, his third Air Force Achievement Medal during his deployment in 2017 to Gaziantep Turkey, and his fourth Air Force Achievement Medal from Aviano. His contributions led to his unit receiving the Air Force’s 2019 Best Operations Flight and Best Small Civil Engineer Squadron of the Year awards. From 2020 to 2023 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, TSgt Hillegass filled multiple roles as the Water & Fuel Systems Maintenance NCOIC, Scheduler and Special Systems Team Chief. His leadership proved vital to his unit receiving the 2021 Air Force Best Operations Flight and Air Force Association Aerospace awards, as well as the 2022 Air Force Global Strike Best Large Civil Engineer Unit.
Assignments
- September 2013-September 2015, PWFSM Apprentice, WFSM Journeyman, 35th CES, Misawa AB, Japan
- September 2015-September 2016, WFSM Journeyman, Water Plant Operator, 8th CES, Kunsan AB, South Korea
- October 2016-September 2020, WFSM Journeyman, WFSM Craftsman, 31st CES Aviano AFB, Italy
- September 2020-December 2023, WFSM Craftsman, WFSM NCOIC, WFSM Scheduler, WFSM Special Systems Chief 28th CES Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
- December 2023-Present, NCOIC, Det 157, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Air Force Achievement Medal (2015, 2016, 2017, 2020)
- Air Force Commendation Medal
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Airman Basic - Feb. 26, 2013
- Airman First Class - April 26, 2013
- Senior Airman - Aug. 26, 2015
- Staff Sergeant - Nov. 1, 2018
- Technical Sergeant - April 1, 2022
(Current as of January 2024)
SSgt Gate
SSgt Gate
Staff Sergeant Darryel Gate
Staff Sergeant Darryel Gate is Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Detachment 157, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Daytona Beach, Florida.
SSgt Gate entered active duty in March of 2017 as an Administration Apprentice. After completing basic military training, he went to technical training in July 2017, and since then has held a variety of administrative positions related to program management and administrative support. During his time at Fairchild AFB, Washington, and Al Udeid AB, Qatar, he provided reliable customer service serving as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Commander’s Support Staff, helping the 92d Security Forces Squadron earn Best Medium Security Forces Unit for two consecutive years.
Education
- 2021 - Airman Leadership School
Assignments
- July 2017-January 2021, Administrative Apprentice, 92d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. (June 2020-December 2020, Commander Support Staff, 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
- February 2021-August 2023, NCOIC Commander’s Support Staff, 92d Security Forces Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Wash.
- Aug. 2023-Present, Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Air and Space Achievement Medal
- Air and Space Commendation Medal
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Airman Basic - March 21, 2017
- Airman First Class - May 19, 2017
- Senior Airman - Sept. 19, 2019
- Staff Sergeant - June 1, 2021
TSgt Lantz
TSgt Lantz
Technical Sergeant Kurt P. Lantz
Technical Sergeant Kurt P. Lantz is the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of Detachment 157 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Air Force Reserve Officer Corps (AFROTC), Daytona Beach, Florida. As NCOIC, Technical Sergeant Lantz manages four NCOs and oversees personnel actions for the largest southeast AFROTC detachment, supporting 450 cadets annually. He also oversees a $7.4M cadet pay program for tuition, textbooks and stipends.
Technical Sergeant Lantz was born and raised in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Mount Union Area High School (Honors) in 2011. He enlisted into the Air Force in September 2012 and graduated technical training in February 2013 for Knowledge Operations Management.
Education
- 2015 - Associate of Applied Science, Business Management, Central Texas College
- 2015 - Airmen Leadership School, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
- 2016 - Associate of Applied Science, Information Management, Community College of the Air Force
- 2024 - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, University of Maryland Global Campus, Baltimore, Md.
Assignments
- September 2012-November 2012, Basic Military Trainee, 322nd Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
- November 2012-February 2013, Knowledge Operations Trainee, 336th Training Squadron, Keesler AFB, Miss.
- February 2013-February 2016, Commander’s Support Staff Tech, 673d Contracting Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
- March 2016-March 2017, Commander’s Executive, 821st Air Base Group, Thule Air Base, Greenland
- March 2017-September 2017, Wing Executive Administration Craftsman, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
- September 2017-May 2019, NCOIC, Commander’s Admin Support Staff, 3rd Air Force, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
- May 2019-March 2021, Enlisted Executive to the Deputy Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
- April 2021-June 2024, NCOIC, Administration Management, AFROTC Detachment 159, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
- June 2024-Present, NCOIC, AFROTC Detachment 157, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
- Air and Space Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- Air and Space Force Achievement Medal
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
Other Achievements
- Senior Airman Below-the-Zone, March 2015
- 11th Air Force Outstanding Administration Airman, 2015
- Pacific Air Forces Outstanding Contracting Support of the Year, 2014
- Air Force Outstanding Contracting Support Award of the Year, 2014
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Airman Basic - September 25, 2012
- Airman - March 25, 2013
- Airman First Class - January 25, 2014
- Senior Airman - March 25, 2015
- Staff Sergeant - May 1, 2017
- Technical Sergeant - February 1, 2021
(Current as of July 2024)
SSgt Whitehill
SSgt Whitehill
Staff Sergeant Logan Whitehill
Staff Sergeant Logan Whitehill is Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Detachment 157, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Daytona Beach, FL. Staff Sgt. Whitehill enlisted in the Air Force in April 2017. He completed basic training in July 2017 and graduated as a Distinguished Graduate in August 2017 from Administration technical school at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. His first location was Ramstein AB, Germany, working at the largest post office in the DoD, Northside Post Office, where he was awarded SrA Below-the-Zone. At Ramstein AB, Staff Sgt. Whitehill also was an Honor Guardsman leading and participating in major events around Germany and France, including the 74th Anniversary of Normandy. He then served as Executive Assistant, 728th Air Mobility Squadron, Air Mobility Command, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Following this short tour, Staff Sgt. Whitehill was the NCOIC, Official Mail Center, 728th Force Support Squadron, Pacific Air Force, Yokota Air Base, Japan, after PCA-ing from the 374th Comptroller Squadron working in the CSS for both the CPTS and Wing Staff Agencies. Prior to his current position, he served as the NCOIC of the Training Admin team in the Air Force Division to the Royal Saudi Air Force. He was responsible for processing the International Military Student testing, vetting and U.S. Visa acquisition, solidifying his role as a key player in the largest Foreign Military Sales portfolio in the world, valued at $49 billion, running 1,000 letters a year to 250 program managers throughout the world.
Education
- 2017 - 3F5X1 Technical School (Distinguished Graduate), Keesler, AFB, Miss.
- 2018 - Postal School (Distinguished Graduate), Fort Jackson, N.C.
- 2020 - Airman Leadership School (Academic Achievement Distinguished Graduate), Incirlik Air Base, Turkey
- 2024 - Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, University of Maryland - Global Campus, Md.
- 2024 - Associate of Applied Science, Information Management, Community College of the Air Force
Assignments
- September 2017-September 2019, Military Postal Clerk, 786th Force Support Squadron, United States Armed Forces Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
- September 2019-November 2020, Executive Assistant, 728th Air Mobility Squadron, Air Mobility Command, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey
- November 2020-December 2021, NCOIC, Commander Support Staff, 374th Comptroller Squadron, Pacific Air Force, Yokota Air Base, Japan
- December 2022-February 2022, NCOIC, Postal Finance Operations, 728th Force Support Squadron, Pacific Air Force, Yokota Air Base, Japan
- February 2022-December 2022, NCOIC, Official Mail Center, 728th Force Support Squadron, Pacific Air Force, Yokota Air Base, Japan
- February 2022-December 2022, NCOIC, Official Mail Center, 728th Force Support Squadron, Pacific Air Force, Yokota Air Base, Japan
- December 2022-December 2023, NCOIC, RSAF Training Admin, United States Central Command, United States Military Training Mission, Air Force Division Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- December 2023-Present, NCOIC, Administration, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Detachment 157, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Major Awards and Decorations
- Air and Space Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- Air and Space Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
- Meritorious Unit Award
- Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
- AF Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Long
- Air and Space Longevity Service Award
- USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
- Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one service star
- Air and Space Training Ribbon
Effective Dates of Promotion
- Airman Basic, March 2017
- Airman First Class, May 2017
- Senior Airman, September 2019
- Staff Sergeant, June 1, 2021
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and morale, welfare and recreation sites, the U.S. Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links provided are consistent with the stated purpose of this DOD Web site.
This Official U.S. Government Internet site is provided as a public service by Air Force ROTC and the IT department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. It is intended for use by the public for viewing and retrieving information only. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited and are punishable under the rules of this university, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, and other state and federal laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all information is public information and is available to copy or distribute. Use of this system constitutes consent to security testing and monitoring. The views expressed in educational research, studies, analysis, or commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Air Force, Department Of Defense, U.S. Government, or this educational institution.
Privacy and Security Notice | The Presence of Commercial/External Links | FOIA Notice