Western Air Defense Sector

Western Air Defense Sector The Western Air Defense Sector is responsible for air defense of the western United States. This is a violation of privacy. Air Force or Department of Defense.

Western Air Defense Sector

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Western Air Defense Sector, Squadron of the Year- 225th Support SquadronThis unit has been a bedrock of our homeland def...
01/28/2026

Western Air Defense Sector, Squadron of the Year- 225th Support Squadron

This unit has been a bedrock of our homeland defense, flawlessly executing over 5,500 maintenance actions to ensure air dominance during critical events like the UN General Assembly and across 4,300 hours of National Capital Region coverage. Their technical prowess was on full display as they spearheaded Operation SPARTAN HOOK, upgrading 109 network encryptors across 17 locations, and played a vital role in JBLM’s first-ever installation-wide power outage exercise, ensuring uninterrupted operations for two critical missions.
Their strategic impact extends far beyond our walls. After seven years of dedicated effort, the team secured $5 million to replace critical infrastructure, reinforcing the unhindered defense of our homeland. They have also been instrumental in fostering international partnerships, supporting events with the Royal Malaysian Air Force and leading joint personnel during Exercise ENDURING PARTNERS in Thailand.
From developing a robust professional development curriculum for their own Airmen to being requested by name to validate procedures for two Combatant Commands, this team has proven they are leaders in every sense of the word, consistently enhancing readiness, building relationships, and ensuring mission success.

Congratulations, Support Squadron!

Western Air Defense Sector Flight of the Year – 225th Support Squadron, Civil Engineering Flight!The 225th Support Squad...
01/27/2026

Western Air Defense Sector Flight of the Year – 225th Support Squadron, Civil Engineering Flight!

The 225th Support Squadron, Civil Engineer Flight has been the unshakable foundation of our mission, ensuring the lights stay on and critical operations never falter. The team masterfully handled every aspect of a mission-essential $5M chiller replacement project and responded flawlessly to six major emergency system failures, preventing any interruption to the vital missions of the Western Air Defense Sector and the 627th Communications Squadron.
Their expertise was on full display as they set the standard during JBLM's first-ever installation-wide power outage exercise, with their procedures now being shared Air Force-wide. Beyond their technical skill, they are dedicated to empowering others, having trained active-duty Airmen in advanced electrical concepts and equipped 25 personnel from two Wings with life-saving CPR techniques. This team is the driving force that protects our $12M in critical equipment and guarantees our nation's defense remains secure around the clock.

Congratulations, CE Flight!

From the 225th Air Defense Group, Master Sergeant Courtney Lawson is being recognized as First Sergeant of the Year for ...
01/27/2026

From the 225th Air Defense Group, Master Sergeant Courtney Lawson is being recognized as First Sergeant of the Year for the Western Air Defense Sector!

MSgt Lawson consistently demonstrates unparalleled people-first leadership, providing a steady hand for service members in high-tempo environments. She has personally guided individuals through more than 28 high-risk crises, ensuring support for everything from personal family situations, financial hardships to unexpected military service separations. During the first-ever joint Enduring Partners exercise in Thailand, she was the critical support for 168 Army and Air Force members, navigating significant life crises and ensuring mission focus.
Her strategic foresight was crucial in revitalizing the WADS Key Support Liaison program, building a 14-member team to strengthen family stability and communication for 280+ families. This commitment to the force was further proven when she authored essential documents to restructure the First Sergeant 2.0 course, shaping the development of future leaders across the Air National Guard.
Beyond her official duties, MSgt Lawson’s dedication to our community is remarkable. As President of the Minuteman Fund and a leader on the Team McChord Council, her team has been instrumental in raising over $15,000 to provide emergency relief for vehicle repairs, rent, and food insecurity, directly strengthening the resilience of thousands Total Force Airmen and their families. Her tireless efforts ensure our members are always mission-ready and fully supported.

Congratulations, Master Sergeant Lawson!

From the 225th Air Defense Squadron, Master Sergeant Shawn Modjtabais is being recognized as the Honor Guard Program Man...
01/27/2026

From the 225th Air Defense Squadron, Master Sergeant Shawn Modjtabais is being recognized as the Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year for the Western Air Defense Sector!

MSgt Shawn Modjtabai has been the driving force behind the revitalization of the WADS Honor Guard program, demonstrating profound respect for military heritage and tradition. After being appointed as the Honor Guard Manager, he expertly trained nine new members, leading to flawless performances at six community events and significantly enhancing the unit's professional image. His initiative was key to honoring our veterans, as he coordinated and flawlessly executed three military retirements, ensuring each ceremony was conducted with the highest level of dignity.
Furthermore, MSgt Modjtabai spearheaded a historic collaboration by establishing the first-ever Memorandum of Agreement with the 62nd Airlift Wing Honor Guard. This landmark initiative empowers our members to support active-duty forces in funeral honors and ceremonies, reinvigorating the Sector's full ceremonial participation after a ten-year hiatus and fostering a renewed sense of pride and camaraderie across Team McChord.

Congratulations, Master Sergeant Modjtabai!

From the 225th Support Squadron, Mr. Vic Smith is being recognized as the Civilian Category II of the Year for the Weste...
01/27/2026

From the 225th Support Squadron, Mr. Vic Smith is being recognized as the Civilian Category II of the Year for the Western Air Defense Sector!
Mr. Smith has been the driving force behind our most critical infrastructure projects and readiness exercises. His leadership was instrumental in the success of the eight-hour "Black Start" joint base utility outage, where he guided 12 personnel to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response. He masterfully managed every phase of the mission-essential $5M chiller replacement project, from design review to final installation, ingeniously ensuring zero interruption to the Western Air Defense Sector's vital mission.
Beyond these large-scale successes, Mr. Smith's steady hand guides our daily operations. He expertly manages a $70K budget, ensuring flawless pay and emergency repairs even during a government shutdown, and leverages every opportunity to train and mentor his team. His unparalleled project management skills and dedication have been critical to guaranteeing our operational resilience and mission success.

Congratulations, Mr. Smith!

From the 225th Support Squadron, Mr. Mark Fischer is being recognized as the Civilian Category I of the Year for the Wes...
01/27/2026

From the 225th Support Squadron, Mr. Mark Fischer is being recognized as the Civilian Category I of the Year for the Western Air Defense Sector!
Mr. Fischer has been a cornerstone of our logistics and readiness operations, expertly managing high-stakes projects with meticulous attention to detail. He played a pivotal role in the rollout of the new Air Force uniform system, processing over $15,000 in orders to ensure our members maintain the highest professional standards. His diligence was critical in supporting major command directives, including securing classified shipments and cryptographic items valued at over $200K in support of our remote sites and Operation SPARTAN HOOK.
Beyond his official duties, Mr. Fischer capitalized on his extensive Army experience to serve as the unit's DEOCS Administrator. In this role, he analyzed complex data and organized targeted focus groups to address key concerns, directly improving team processes and morale. From managing hundreds of thousands of dollars in mission-critical equipment to enhancing our unit's climate, Mr. Fischer's contributions have been vital to our operational success and the well-being of our team.
Congratulations, Mr. Fischer!

From the 225th Air Defense Squadron, First Lieutenant Matthew Dawson is being recognized as the Company Grade Officer o...
01/27/2026

From the 225th Air Defense Squadron, First Lieutenant Matthew Dawson is being recognized as the Company Grade Officer of the Year for the Western Air Defense Sector!
1st Lt Dawson has proven himself as a premier air defense expert and dynamic leader, both at home and abroad. Operationally, he expertly commanded a $640M command and control system for over 1,400 hours, flawlessly defending 2.2 million square miles of airspace and securing the National Capital Region. His outstanding performance earned him the Sector’s only 'Exceptionally Qualified' rating and recognition as the Air Defense Group's CGO of the Quarter, all while leading his team to a 'Mission Ready' rating during a NORAD evaluation.
Beyond our borders, 1st Lt Dawson was hand-picked by PACAF to strengthen international partnerships in the INDOPACOM region. He led a five-nation security forum with the Royal Brunei Air Force and was instrumental in establishing an exchange program with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, directly enabling our unit's first-ever integration into the multi-national exercise COPE TAUFAN '26. His leadership and diplomatic skill have significantly enhanced operator proficiency, squadron readiness, and regional security.

Congratulations, Lieutenant Dawson!

From the 225th Air Defense Squadron, Master Sergeant Joshua White is being recognized as the Senior Non-Commisioned Offi...
01/27/2026

From the 225th Air Defense Squadron, Master Sergeant Joshua White is being recognized as the Senior Non-Commisioned Officer of the Year for the Western Air Defense Sector!

MSgt Josh White's leadership and technical expertise have been pivotal in advancing our nation's highest-priority homeland defense mission. As a subject matter expert, he was instrumental in positioning the Weapons System Council to advocate for the conversion of 600 personnel to new critical operator roles, fulfilling a seven-year command-level objective. Operationally, he led 45 mission crews in defending our skies, including missions to protect the President, and was the sector lead for a software upgrade that significantly enhanced a $28 million cruise missile defense capability.
His impact on training and development is equally profound. MSgt White directed a complete overhaul of the squadron’s training program, enabling a 30% surge in student capacity while improving program efficiency by an incredible 72%. These exceptional efforts, which culminated in him being named the Sector's CONR Senior NCO of the Year, highlight his unwavering commitment to innovation, readiness, and the development of every Airman.

Congratulations, Master Sergeant White!

From the 225th Support Squadron, Technical Sergeant Pineda is being recognized as the Non-Commisioned Officer of the Yea...
01/27/2026

From the 225th Support Squadron, Technical Sergeant Pineda is being recognized as the Non-Commisioned Officer of the Year for the Western Air Defense Sector!

As the newly named Western Air Defense Sector AFNORTH NCO of the Year, TSgt Pineda has been a powerhouse of technical innovation and leadership. He led the charge for Operation SPARTAN HOOK, a massive undertaking to upgrade 109 network encryptors across 17 locations, seamlessly implementing the NSA's Zero Trust architecture. His expertise was further demonstrated when he engineered a training simulation with over 1,400 lines of code, cutting qualification time for new technicians by an incredible 33%.
Beyond his technical prowess, TSgt Pineda expertly managed the squadron's COMSEC program, sustaining 100% accountability for $745K in critical assets and earning the highest possible rating. He has also been a pillar in our community, leading a spiritual volunteer organization that supports over 700 members and their families. From pioneering new training methods to bolstering squadron manning to 95%, TSgt Pineda’s dedication has profoundly enhanced our security, readiness, and overall mission success.

Congratulations, Technical Sergeant Pineda!

From the 225th Support Squadron, Senior Airman Tillotson is being recognized as the WADS Airman of the Year!Already earn...
01/27/2026

From the 225th Support Squadron, Senior Airman Tillotson is being recognized as the WADS Airman of the Year!

Already earning distinction as the WADS CONR Airman of the Year, SrA Tillotson has proven himself to be a technical expert and an invaluable leader. He was a key contributor to a critical mission-system upgrade, providing secure channels for 10,000 tracks in direct support of OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, and single-handedly restored the sole infrared AI-enabled camera system vital to defending the National Capital Region. His expertise was further demonstrated when he led a team to upgrade over 50 SIPR workstations, significantly reducing cybersecurity vulnerabilities across the unit.
Beyond his technical achievements, SrA Tillotson's initiative and leadership shine through. He was hand-picked by the NORAD Network Operations Center to lead a $186K modernization project for the Global Command and Control System and dedicated his time to training seven NCOs on critical mission systems. His consistent excellence and commitment to the mission make him a true force multiplier for our team.

Congratulations, Senior Airman Tillotson!

09/02/2025

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Tacoma, WA
98438

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