September Airman Spotlight

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Schepers
  • 175 WG/PA
Baltimore --  The 175th Wing would like to present Senior Airman Andrew Bracken, structural journeyman assigned to the 175th Civil Engineering Squadron, as this months Spotlight Airman. Bracken joined the Maryland Air National Guard in 2008 and is a volunteer fire fighter with the Dallastown Volunteer Fire Department.

Here is some more information about Senior Airman Bracken:

Name: Andrew C. Bracken
Rank: Senior Airman
Unit: 175th Civil Engineering Squadron
Job Description: Structural Journeyman
Full-time Job: Automotive Technician
Hometown: Dallastown, PA
Joined the MDANG: 5/2008
Total Service Years: 6
Family: 1 Daughter, Audrey (3 years old)
Favorite Movie: Ladder 49
Last Book Read: Airman Leadership Class
Favorite Food: Greasy Cheeseburger
Favorite Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys

Tell us your brief life story:

I was born at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, WA, while my father was stationed there. I grew up in Dallastown, PA where I currently reside. All throughout middle school and high school I took shop classes because I enjoy working with my hands. Like my father before me I became a volunteer firefighter in Dallastown, Pa. I have held many jobs including, retail clerk, auto body work, landscaping and carpentry work. I was able to excel in these positions with skills I have learned in civil engineering.

Tell us about your military career:

I decided to enter the service because I felt the need to do something greater than myself. I feel that serving your country is one of the most patriotic things a person can do. I also felt the need to continue a tradition that dates back to the Revolutionary War in my family and to also follow in my father's footsteps. I have held the same AFSC my entire military career and I plan to stay in this career field. I enjoy my job and love working with my hands. It is an awesome feeling being a part of the construction of a new building or the renovation of an old one. It is amazing when you get to do your job and help out the community at the same time.

What brought you to the MDANG? How have you enjoyed your time here?

I came to the Maryland Air National Guard because I was very familiar with the wing and I knew most of the members of the 175th Civil Engineering Squadron. I was familiar with the Maryland Air National Guard because my father, (Retired) Master Sgt. Robert Bracken was a member. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I have had some unforgettable experiences and plan on making a career here at the Maryland Air National Guard.

What is your favorite Air Force memory or story?

My favorite and proudest moments are one in the same. The Civil Engineering Squadron took our yearly Deployment for Training (DFT) to Cold Lake, Canada. We were tasked with renovating a daycare facility to allow increased access to children in the six month to six years age range. Being that I have a daughter in that age range I took a rather personal approach to it. I was also put in charge of that project as my supervisor was in charge of another base project. It was a great feeling have multiple shops come together under my hand to complete the project in a timely manner. This experience helped me become a better leader.

What are you passionate about?

My dream is to manage and operate a fully sponsored, American rally car. I would love to get paid to race down dirt and snow covered roads at 100 miles per hour all while entertaining the audience. I find spare time in between two jobs, being a volunteer fire fighter and a dad to get behind the wheel. I had the chance to race on a friends team and we finished 1st in our class. Along with racing and being in the fire department I enjoy building High Power Amateur Rockets. I also enjoy working on many projects in my garage. But the thing I enjoy the most is being a dad to my amazing three year old daughter, Audrey. She is the biggest influence and greatest inspiration in my life.