McCarron, Brady, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) (1987-2007)

Brady McCarron retired from the Air Force in September 2007 after serving 20 years. Originally from Kenosha Wisconsin, during his 20 year career he was stationed at Chanute AFB, IL, Eielson AFB, AK, Davis-Monthan AFB AZ, Defense Information School Ft. Meade MD, Keflavik NAS Iceland, Lackland AFB TX, and March AFB CA. He started as a supply specialist and cross-trained into radio and television broadcasting. Along with various assignments, his duties as a reporter for the Air Force offered him TDY oportunities to numerous locations including Iraq, Qatar, Germany, Okinawa, Korea, Japan, Italy, England, Portugal, Belize, Kosovo, Macedonia, Spain, Belgium, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Washington DC, Virginia, New Mexico, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Colorado.

Though McCarron confided in his trusted friends, he was first officially outed to his commanders while in Texas, but they refused to pursue the issue and closed the investigation as unwarranted. He again was outed while living on base with his domestic partner Alex with his command staff refusing to pursue the issue. Unfortunately, a fellow military member saw the commands lack of action as unacceptable and proceeded to report him to other agencies. Every agency refused to pursue and McCarron was allowed to retire with full honors. Even after he was outed both times, his co-workers and command staff stood behind him and rewarded him for his outstanding job performance.

During his 20 year career McCarron was awarded the Defense Meritorious Services Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal (3 times) , the Air Force Achievement Medal (5 times), Good Conduct Medal (7 times) as well as many other group and individual awards. He was bestowed the highest honor , the John Levitow Award Winner in his Airman Leadership School class as voted by his fellow students, faculty, and personal performance. His outstanding performance and personal improvements earned him a promotion “Below-the-Zone” – ahead of this peers. While stationed in Alaska he was named wing and base Airman of the Quarter and finished second in Airman of the year. While in Iceland he again proved his professionalism by earning the NCO of the quarter for Icelandic Defense Force. Not to let down, he also won the Air Force News NCO of the quarter. As one last hurrah before retirement, he earned the Defense Media Center's Senior Military Member of the Quarter.

McCarron now works as a contractor for the American Forces Network coincedently in the same building he retired from. Openly gay, he and his domestic partner Alex are well accepted by all employees. He has a Bachelors Degree in Business from Eastern Oregon University and is pursuing his Masters in Management of Public Administration from the University of Phoenix.