Col Ed Brown is the Air Division Operations Officer. He was appointed to this position on 15 Mar 2009 immediately following his tour as commander of the 5th Air Wing. Earlier assignments included 4th Air Wing Vice Commander, G1 Adjutant for Texas State Guard Headquarters, and as 4th AW Personnel Officer. He was commissioned in the Texas State Guard after a 23-year active duty career as a US Air Force pilot, staff officer, and liaison to several US Army units. He holds the Bronze Star for combat service in Desert Storm and was recognized with six Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and numerous campaign and service ribbons. He also holds the Texas Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Outstanding Service Medal, and Medal of Merit for service with the Texas Military Forces. He is currently employed by the Air Force as a civil service employee providing advice, liaison, and oversight to the 3000+ members of Texas Wing Civil Air Patrol, the USAF Auxiliary. A command pilot with over 4600 flying hours, he has flown numerous military fighter and trainer aircraft including T-38, OV-10, F-15 and A-10.