Brandon Yong

November 12, 2019 - 11:28 AM

Senior Airman, E-3
United States Air Force
Years of Service: 2008 - 2011
Mt. SAC Biotechnology Major

Originally, I was born and raised in Colorado and graduated from Mountain Vista High School in 2007.  After graduation, my family moved to California, and in March 2008, I enlisted into the Air Force. At first, I had no intention of joining the military, but had an interest about becoming an enlisted service member since I was trying to figure out what I want to do with my life after high school. The first recruiter I went to was the Navy. I listened to all the benefits and details, which helped increase my interest, but I then remembered about my Uncle, who was a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserve at the time, so I wanted to check out the Air Force recruiting office as well. After listening to both sides, I decided to enlist into the United States Air Force to look for my path, and to serve my country.

My military occupation was 2W151, Aircraft Armament System Journeyman, and I was stationed at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas. My job was to work under the B1-B Lancer aircraft, a bomber plane, where I worked in the back shop of the aircraft rather than on the flight line. In the back shop, I worked with the 7th MUNS Armament Flight where we did maintenance and repairs on the equipment that goes on the B1-B Lancer.

The commendations I’ve earned are the AF Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle), AF Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Even though my military service was short-lived and I was medically discharged, during those times it was a meaningful experience for me that helped broaden my horizon on the path I want to walk on. It even gave me an interest into considering working with electrical engineering. For that, I am thankful to my friends and comrades that I have worked with and also to the ones I trained with – from during my years in the service for the lessons and experienced I gained, good or bad, that will help me to continue to grow and mature along my way.