Education

• B.S. in Geography/Earth Science – Wayne State College
• Squadron Officer School – Maxwell AFB, Alabama
• Air War College

Brian was born and raised just a few miles from Morningside University. He graduated from Sioux City East High School and Wayne State College. He went on to attend United States Air Force Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas.

He has been fully qualified in T-37, T-38, AT-38 (Training Aircraft), A-7D, F-16C (Attack/Fighter Aircraft), and KC-135’s (Aerial Refueling Aircraft). A few of his many deployments as both a pilot and commander include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, Afghanistan, Panama, Germany, and Guam.

He flew missions over Iraq during both Operations Northern and Southern Watch. While deployed in Afghanistan during the Surge of 2010–2011, he served as the Vice Commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force–Afghanistan. In this role, he was second in command for 8,500 Airmen deployed in Afghanistan. He retired as the Commander of the 185th Air Refueling Wing located at Sioux Gateway Airport.

Awards

• Graduated number one in his class from USAF Pilot Training
• Commander of the #1 rated, of 54 Air Wings, supporting Air Mobility Command in the Air National Guard

Significant Service Medals

• Legion of Merit
• Bronze Star
• Air Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terror Medal
• Southwest Asia Service Medal
• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

In addition to his role as Director of Aviation at Morningside University, Brian serves on the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and runs a small business with his wife, Leola. They enjoy time with their grandkids, along with many other interests.