AIR FORCE: Master Sergeant Thomas B. Harris, an EBCI tribal member, is the Avionics Activities Security Manager for the 301st Fighter Wing. (Photo courtesy of Harris family)
Master Sergeant Thomas B. Harris, an EBCI tribal member, is the Avionics Activities Security Manager for the 301st Fighter Wing. He assists the Wing Commander by maintaining the 301st Fighter Wing Security Operating Procedures for the 301st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
He develops, writes, and maintains security procedures for the wing and also serves and the Communications Security Responsible Officer.
MSgt Harris enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March 1999 and he transitioned over to the Air Force in April 2006. Due to his background in two services, he held various duties in the electronic repair field, to include ground radio repair and avionics systems maintenance. He served as an electronics shop chief and primary marksmanship instructor for the 4th Electronic Maintenance Battalion. He deployed as an avionics technician for the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Joint Base Balad, Iraq; specialist flight expeditor for the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; specialist flight expeditor for the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 455st Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan; and Under First Sergeant and unit transportation representative for the 457th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
Prior to his current position, he served as avionics technician and expeditor for the 301st Aircraft maintenance Squadron’s Specialist Flight. While in this position, he oversaw the Aircraft Structural Integrity Program, Specialist Flight Equipment Manager, Upgrade Training Program Manager, and the Unit Deployment Monitor.
EDUCATION
2000: Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
2000: Basic Electronics Course, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
2000: Ground Radio Repair Course, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
2003: Primary Marksmanship Instructor Course, Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.
2007: Electronic Principles Course, 332 Training Squadron, Keesler AFB, Mississippi
2007-2008: F-16 Avionics Systems Apprentice Course, 365 training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Texas
2009: Airmen Leadership School, by correspondence
2009: F-16 Avionics Systems Journeyman Course, by correspondence
2011: F-16 Avionics Systems Craftsman Course, by correspondence
2012: Associate Degree, Community College of the Air Force, by correspondence
2013: Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, by correspondence
2015: Joint Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Course, by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
November 1999 – February 2000: recruit, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California
February 2000 – March 2000: student, Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California
March 2000 – November 2000: student, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, California
December 2000 – March 2006: technician/shop chief, 4th Electronics Maintenance Company, Wichita, Kansas
April 2006 – December 2015: avionics technician, 301 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron-Specialist section, NAS Fort Worth JRB, Texas
July 2007 – August 2007: student, 332nd Training Squadron, Keesler AFB, Mississippi
August 2007 – January 2008: student, 365th Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Texas
January 2008 – March 2008: avionics technician, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Joint Base Balad, Iraq
August 2010 – September 2010: avionics expeditor, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan AB, South Korea
December 2013 – February 2014: avionics expeditor, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
January 2016 – present: activities security manager, 301st Fighter Wing, NAS Fort Worth JRB, Texas
July 2016 – November 2016: under first sergeant, 457th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal
Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal with bronze star
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two bronze stars
Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korean Defense Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and four oak leaf clusters
Air Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hourglass and four ‘M” Devices
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with bronze star
NATO Non-Article 5 Medal with bronze star
USMC ACHIEVEMENTS
4th Electronics Maintenance Company 2011 Marine of the Year
Primary Marksmanship Instructor (MOS 8531)
Range Coach (MOS 8530)
Marine Corps Rifle Expert Badge with fourth award clasp
Marine Corps Pistol Sharpshooter Badge
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program-Grey Belt
– Courtesy of Harris family and Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143
