Moody Airman selected to maintain Air Force One

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A Moody Airman was recently selected to provide maintenance duties on one of the world's most famous aircraft. 

Senior Airman Adam Bragg, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare journeyman, will soon depart to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., where he will provide electronic counter measures on the president's Air Force One aircraft. 

"I was very excited to learn I was picked up for this assignment," said Airman Bragg. "It should be an extremely good career-broadening assignment and will give me a chance for exposure by working with some high-profile people." 

While searching on the equal listing Web site one afternoon last October, Airman Bragg unexpectedly stumbled upon the posting. The listing sparked an interest, and from there the long paperwork process began, said Airman Bragg. This included applying for several different clearances and providing copies of enlisted performance reports to show he was worthy of the position. 

"I made the decision that this is what I wanted to do pretty quickly," said Airman Bragg. "There aren't too many opportunities for a position like this as a maintainer, so I felt I might as well take it." 

Airman Bragg's duties as an electronic counter measure specialist entail maintaining defensive systems for aircraft, which includes deterring and defeating threats from enemies while in the air. Though his assignment will most likely include duties additional to his career field, Airman Bragg welcomes the increased responsibilities, he said. 

"The most exciting part of this job is that I'm protecting the aircraft that flies the Commander in Chief," said Airman Bragg, an Oak Hill, W.V., native. "Without his leadership and guidance, our nation would be essentially lost. But I'll also be performing some of the grunt work, like waxing the aircraft and washing windows. The aircraft has to be superbly clean, but I have no problems with that." 

The prerequisites for the assignment typically call for staff sergeants and above, but 
Airman Bragg's outstanding performance helped him earn what he calls a "chance of a lifetime." In addition to numerous squadron and group level awards, Airman Bragg recently earned the title of distinguished graduate from Airman Leadership School. 

"As soon as he arrived at the shop, Airman Bragg was a leader and took charge of everything," said Tech. Sgt. Ricky Velarmino, 723rd AMXS NCO in charge of electronic warfare. "A few Airmen in our shop are really disappointed he's leaving, but he definitely deserves this." 

While his supervisors feel he earned the opportunity through his work at the squadron, Airman Bragg believes he owes a debt of gratitude for being set up for success. 

"The only reason I ever had a shot of taking this assignment was the support of my leadership," said Airman Bragg. "They have done an outstanding job of putting me in a position where I could excel. I'm thankful of their support, and I couldn't be more excited to maintain the president's aircraft."