Technical Sergeant Thomas B. Deaton, Jr. is the Training Instructor, Detachment 765, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina. In this role, he is responsible for the training and development of over 450 Air and Space Force ROTC cadets and teaches foundations of the Air Force, leadership studies, and air and space power employment. TSgt Deaton also serves as AFROTC South East Region’s sub region Superintendent and ensures that all South Carolina AFROTC detachments have professional development support and opportunities.
TSgt Deaton enlisted in the Air Force in November 2003 as an aircraft maintainer. Throughout his career, he has served in an array of positions supporting C130E, H, J, and C17A aircraft. Prior to his current position, TSgt Deaton led the largest innovation project on Joint Base (JB) Charleston and redesigned the installation’s Wheel & Tire Shop, valued at $1.7 million. Additionally, he established the base’s Human Space Flight Recovery Mission with assets valued at at $1.9 million, thereby ensuring safe launch and recovery mission for all astronauts.
EDUCATION
2009 Airman Leadership School, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.
2016 Associate in Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2017 Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, JB Charleston, S.C.
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education, JB Charleston, S.C.
ASSIGNMENTS
November 2003 – January 2004: Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas
January 2004 – May 2004: C-130 Maintenance Training, Sheppard AFB, Texas
June 2004 – July 2006: Aerospace Maintenance Journeyman, 48th Airlift Squadron, Little Rock AFB Ark.
July 2006 – July 2009: Aerospace Maintenance Journeyman, 314th Maintenance Squadron, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
July 2009 – May 2011: Aerospace Maintenance Craftsman, 437th AMXS, Charleston AFB, S.C.
May 2011 – March 2013: Vehicle Control NCO, 437th AMXS, JB Charleston, S.C.
March 2013 – April 2015: Maintenance Operations Controller 437th MXO, JB Charleston, S.C.
April 2015 – Aug 2019: Aerospace Maintenance Craftsman 437th MXS, JB Charleston, S.C.
Aug 2019 – Dec 2020: Wheel & Tire Section Chief, 437th MXS, JB Charleston, S.C.
Dec 2020 – Aug 2021: Aircraft Inspections Section Chief 437th MXS, JB Charleston, S.C.
Aug 2021 – Aug 2022: Safety NCOIC 437th Maintenance Group, JB Charleston, S.C.
Aug 2022 – Present: AFROTC Training Instructor, Det 765 The Citadel, Charleston S.C.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic November 24, 2003
Airman November 24, 2003
Airman 1st Class September 24, 2004
Senior Airman November 24, 2006
Staff Sergeant December 1, 2009
Technical Sergeant August 1, 2018
(CURRENT AS OF AUGUST 2023)