Military Biography | Edward W. Hood
2004 - 2021
Edward W. Hood is a dedicated Air Force Veteran, husband, father, and entrepreneur based in Deming, New Mexico. He currently serves as the National Commander of the Commanders Coalition; a veterans’ service organization focused on supporting and connecting veteran leaders. He is an active member of several esteemed veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sons of the American Legion, and the Air & Space Forces Association.
Hood’s distinguished military career began at age 15 with his service in the Unit FL-933 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC). As a standout cadet, he contributed meaningfully to the program through his roles in the Color Guard and as Commander of the Model Rocketry Team. His participation in community events was particularly noteworthy; he played a key role in presenting the colors at the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker in Madison, Florida, on April 8, 2000.
Enlisting in the United States Air Force on May 4, 2004, Hood quickly demonstrated strong leadership and integrity. During basic training with the 331st Training Squadron, Flight 536, at Lackland Air Force Base, his Military Training Instructor selected him to serve as the Flight Office Technician, an early recognition of his potential to guide and inspire fellow Airman.
In June 2004, Airman First Class Hood arrived at Keesler Air Force Base for technical training in electronics theory and Ground Radio Communications. Over the ensuing eight months, he excelled academically while volunteering as an Airman Leader to support his peers.
Upon graduation, Hood reported to his first permanent duty station at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, from February 2005 to March 2007. Assigned to the 49th Communications Squadron, he also served on the base Honor Guard, honing his precision and discipline in ceremonial duties. During this period, he deployed to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, providing critical emergency communications support to the Qatari government during the 2006 Doha Asian Games. For this service, he was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Upon returning to Holloman, he continued with the Honor Guard before transferring to Moody Air Force Base.
Shortly after arriving at Moody, Senior Airman Hood volunteered for and was selected to serve on the base Honor Guard. His prior advanced training proved invaluable, earning him recognition as the 2007 Honor Guardsman of the Quarter.
From 2007 to 2010, Staff Sergeant Hood was assigned to the 23rd Communications Squadron at Moody Air Force Base. During this tour, he deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa and the Counterinsurgency Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan, completing over 38 missions supporting NATO-ISAF.
In 2015, Hood reenlisted in the Air National Guard, joining the 101st Air Communications Squadron, where he supported various missions and earned multiple commendations. He later transferred to the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron in the Georgia Air National Guard.
Toward the conclusion of his second enlistment, an injury led to his Honorable Discharge from military service on May 19, 2021.
Throughout his career, Edward W. Hood exemplified commitment, leadership, and service to his country, fellow service members, and the Veteran community. Today, he continues to advocate for veterans through his leadership roles and entrepreneurial endeavors.
EDUCATION
Dec 03- Manufacturing & Maintenance Technology, Coastal Georgia Community College
Dec 03- Process Control Operator, Coastal Georgia Community College
June 04- Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX
Jul 04- Airman Leadership & Drill Course, Keesler AFB, MS
Feb 05 - Ground Radio Communications Apprentice Course, Keesler AFB, MS
Apr 06- USAF Honor Guard Basic Protocol, Honors, and Ceremonies Course, Holloman AFB, NM
Dec 07- Joint Task Force Combat Radio Course, Keesler AFB, MS
Dec 08- Airman Leadership School, Moody AFB, GA
Feb 19- Associate of Applied Science Electronic Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force
Currently Pursuing—Bachelor of Science Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Western Governors University
ASSIGNMENTS
May 04 - June 04, 331st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
June 04 - Feb 05, 338th Training Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi
Feb 05 - March 07, 49th Communications Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico
March 07 - May 10, 23rd Communications Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
Jan 08 - May 08, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa
Sep 09 - APR 10, NATO ISAF, Counter insurgency Training Center, Camp Julian, Afghanistan
May 15 - 101st Air Communications Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida
Savannah Expeditionary Cyber Training Center, Savannah Air National Guard Base, Savannah Georgia
2019 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron, Brunswick Air National Guard Base, Brunswick Georgia
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Army Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Joint Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal with bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border and two oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Florida Commendation Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2006- Holloman Base Honor Guard Member of the Quarter
2007- Moody Air Force Base Honor Guard Member of the Quarter
2019- Air & Space Forces Association Medal of Merit
2020- Air & Space Forces Association Medal of Merit
2025- American Legion Medal of Merit
PUBLICATIONS | MEDIA
8 April 2025 House Budget Committee - The Florida Channel. (n.d.). The Florida Channel. https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/4-8-25-house-budget-committee/
Garcia, J. “A National Insurance Company Wrote a New Florida Law.” Jason Garcia’s Substack, 18 Apr. 2024, jasongarcia.substack.com/p/a-national-insurance-company-wrote
The Florida Channel. “House Civil Justice Subcommittee.” The Florida Channel, 1 Feb. 2024, thefloridachannel.org/videos/2-1-24-house-civil-justice-subcommittee/
“AFA Emerging Leaders.” Air & Space Forces Magazine, 23 Apr. 2021, www.airandspaceforces.com/article/afa-emerging-leaders-3/
“After the Storm: How AFA’s Tyndall Chapter Helped Airmen Recover.” Air & Space Forces Magazine, 18 Apr. 2019, www.airandspaceforces.com/article/after-the-storm-how-afas-tyndall-chapter-helped-airmen-recover/
“Wingman: Rosie the Riveter.” Air & Space Forces Magazine, 28 June 2018, www.airandspaceforces.com/article/Wingman-Rosie-the-Riveter/
“Airpower Starts with You.” Tyndall Air Force Base, 17 Nov. 2017, www.tyndall.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1375914/airpower-starts-with-you/
“Why I Became a Life Member of The American Legion.” Legiontown, 5 July 2017, www.legiontown.org/post911veteransupport/4337/why-i-became-life-member-american-legion
“Tallahassee Honors Lives Lost at 2025 Memorial Day Ceremonies.” *Tallahassee Democrat*, 23 May 2025, www.tallahassee.com/story/entertainment/things-to-do/2025/05/23/tallahassee-honors-lives-lost-at-2025-memorial-day-ceremonies/83773526007/
Otero, A. (2023, November 9). ‘Service and sacrifice’: Air Force memorial dedicated at Tallahassee National Cemetery. *Tallahassee Democrat*. https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2023/11/09/new-air-force-memorial-rises-at-tallahassee-national-cemetery/71487989007/
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Air & Space Forces Association
American Legion
AMVETS
Commanders Coalition
Disabled American Veterans
Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America
Sons of the American Legion
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Veterans of Foreign Wars
(Current as of March 2026)