Faculty and Staff
Lieutenant Colonel Brenton J Ekren
Detachment Commander
Chair Professor – Dept of Aerospace Studies
After commissioning, Lt Col Ekren flew the KC-10A from McGuire AFB on worldwide air refueling and cargo missions in support of multiple deployments, contingencies and exercises. Following, as a Formal Training Unit instructor at Travis AFB, he led initial pilot qualification and upgrade training, producing qualified aircrews to meet all training requirements and support the Joint Forces. After completing German language training, he was assigned to the Military Personnel Exchange Program out of Cologne, Germany. There, he flew the German Air Force Airbus A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, conducting cargo and air refueling missions to support Allied nations and NATO partners. During his last assignment, he was assigned to United States Southern Command as the Chief of the Joint Operations Center and Deputy Chief, Current Operations Division, where he led a team of 45 joint personnel conducting daily command and control operations supporting campaign plan objectives on behalf of the Geographic Combatant Commander for five service components, three joint task forces, and 22 country teams throughout Central and South America.
Lt Col Ekren is a command pilot with more than 3,600 hours including 1,400 combat hour in the KC-10A Extender and Airbus A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport. He has deployed eight times in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, Joint Task Force - -Horn of Africa,, INHERENT RESOLVE, and RESOLUTE SUPPORT.
Capt Jessalyn Bryant
Major Jessalyn Bryant
Operations Flight Commander
Assistant Professor – Dept of Aerospace Studies
Maj Jessalyn Bryant commissioned in 2014 through University of St. Thomas AFROTC.
As the Detachment Operations Flight Commander, she is responsible for the oversight of the Cadet Wing for AFROTC training. Additionally, Maj Bryant instructs hands-on leadership at the AS 300 level courses on leadership, management fundamentals, and professional knowledge. As well as Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics and communication skills required of an Air Force Junior Officer. fundamentals and professional knowledge.
Capt Colby Scidmore
Education Officer
Assistant Professor of Practice – Dept of Aerospace Studies
Captain Colby Scidmore commission as an officer in 2018 through Officer Training School (OTS). He began his career as an enlisted Airman in 2008 as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member. While enlisted at the 14th Air Support Operations Group, and 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron. His responsibilities included leadership as the parachute personnel program manager, battalion air liaison officer, and operational test program manager. As an officer, he has been assigned to the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron and 607th Air Support Operations Group. His responsibilities included assistant flight commander, chief of training, executive, officer, and plans branch chief. He has deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, SPARTAN SHIELD, and INHERENT RESOLVE.
As the Education Officer, he is responsible for AFOQT scheduling, SAP Review for Det 840, teaching freshman Cadets, as well as multiple training aspects within the Cadet Wing.
TSgt James Brown
Recruiting Officer
Assistant Professor of Practice
Dept of Aerospace Studies
TSgt Brown was assigned to Hurlburt Field, FL taking on a variety of roles including a Utility Interior Crew Lead, Utility Resource and Optimization project manager, and Fuels Service Station Technician. Prior to the role of Water and Fuels Maintenances Operations Controller, TSgt Brown deployed eight months at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia as the Other Country National Escort Force Protection Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge and Utility Project Manager Liaison.
As the Detachment 840 Recruiting Officer, he is responsible for ensuring all AFROTC educational principles and policies are met by Cadre and directly manages all recruiting activities that take place on campus.
SSgt Luna
SSgt Marcus Luna
NCOIC
Administration
As the Detachment 840 NCOIC of Administration, SSgt Luna is responsible for cadet administrative actions to include cadet pay and travel, Field Training attendance, uniform issue, security and medical clearances, commissioning certifications and Honor Guard liaison. Additionally, SSgt Luna provides valuable NCO perspective to future Air Force officers thru instruction and mentoring during Leadership Laboratory and Aerospace Studies courses.
Erin Magee
Administrative Assistant III