SMSgt Hamilton entered the U.S. Air Force in 1975 seeking focus and growth, he found both. After completing basic military training, he demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities as a “Yellow Rope” student leader at the Security Police Specialist School in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. His first assignment took him to the 351st Missile Security Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. From guarding B-52D’s on nuclear alert to serving as a Minuteman I Missile Flight Security Controller, SMSgt Hamilton displayed unwavering commitment and professionalism. His exceptional performance and contributions led to his selection as part of the Strategic Air Command’s “Project First View,” contributing to the unit being named the “Best Large Security Police Unit in the Air Force, 1978.”
Intrigued by the significant role played by the U.S. Air Force in air traffic control services, SMSgt Hamilton retrained in 1979 and graduated as an Honor Graduate from the Air Traffic Control program at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. While assigned to Scott Air Force Base, Staff Sergeant Hamilton attended the Air Force Communication Command Leadership School where he earned the Academic Achievement Award and the Veterans of Foreign Wars World Affairs Award. He garnered Honors from the Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) course and then developed the first “TACAN A” approach at and “set the standard” for the Military Airlift Command for his program. He also led a Base Honor Guard Team.
In 1982 SSgt Hamilton arrived at Howard Air Force Base, Republic of Panama. Certified in the ground control approach (GCA) radar and the control tower, he established the first unit level TERPS branch at this Tactical Air Command base earning an Air Force Achievement Medal for setting the Tactical Air Command standard. While at Howard Air Force Base, he directly supported aviation assets during the invasion of Granada, and other classified missions. In 1985 he attended the Air Force Communication Command Noncommissioned Officer Academy and graduated from the Community College of the Air Force with a degree in Air Traffic Control.
Arriving at England Air Force Base, Louisiana, in 1985, Technical Sergeant Hamilton hit the ground running becoming approach control certified in minimum time. Earning numerous individual awards, he culminated his assignment earning an Air Force Communication Command “Aircraft Save Award” for effecting the safe recovery of a civil aircraft running out of fuel, suffering from electrical failure due to lightning strikes, on the leading edge of a storm. His award was one of only 16 such events that merited an award, that year, worldwide.
In 1988 Master Sergeant Hamilton departed for Shemya Air Force Base, Aleutian Island, Alaska, Dual certified he simultaneously held positions of Chief, Standardization and Evaluation, and GCA Chief Controller. He supported the “Queen Match” SDI rocket program. A high point in his career was his support of national reconnaissance assets monitoring the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Reduction Treaty.
August 1990 found MSgt Hamilton, on the first aircraft deployed from Patrick Air Force Base to Operation Desert Shield. The first deployed American (Saudi Air Base badge #1) to Khamis Mushayt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he became the sole daytime American in this Royal Saudi Air Force Control Tower. He effected the safe arrival of the first and second F-117 squadrons to deploy operationally and integrated multinational operations. Certified by the Saudi Air Force to assist in training, certifications, and integration of multi-national operations, he supported Operation Desert Storm to conclusion and draw down post defeat of Iraq forces.
Returning to Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, this 1992 Outstanding Young Men of America, selectee, set up an evacuation center for Hurricane Andrew evacuees, providing humanitarian assistance. Senior Master Sergeant Hamilton helped close the then Gen. McClelland Award Winning Best Large Communications Unit in the Air Force, 1993. He also completed a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Professional Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Business Administration and attended the Air University USAF Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Gunter Annex, Alabama.
Arriving in 1994 at his last assignment, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, attaining positions of Chief Controller, Radar Approach Control, and Wing Airspace Manager. He selected the air traffic controllers who deployed in support of the invasion of Haiti. He led the justification of additional equipment and airspace to support the establishment of F-15E fighter training units. As the 4th Operations Support Squadron Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 1995 he culminated a diverse career.
Senior Master Sergeant Hamilton’s decorations, include the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 devices, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 devices, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with “V” for valor and 3 devices, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 devices, the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 devices, the Humanitarian Service Medal with device, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kuwait Liberation Medal-Kuwait, and additional unlisted service ribbons representing service recognition of a distinguished 21 year career.