Andrew Smith

Tech. Sgt. Andrew Smith is the Ground Transportation Element Chief at the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Tech. Sgt. Smith is responsible for operational control and is the point of contact for the Ground Transportation Operations Center (GTOC), Operators and Programs (O&P), Training, Validation and Operations (TVO) sections. Technical Sergeant Smith is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Ground Transportation section supervising 5 members while over seeing a micro fleet of 17 vehicles. Tech. Sgt. smith ensures the most efficient mix of capabilities (i.e. mass transportation, documented cargo operations, wrecker recovery services and U-Drive it requests) to maintain home station requirements and contingency operations. Sergeant Smith is fulfilling the Superintendent role of Ground Transportation with managing resources and critical decision making.

Air and Space Commendation Medal

Air and Space Achievement Medal 1 oak leaf cluster

Meritorious Unit Award

Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award 2 oak leaf clusters

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal 3 oak leaf clusters

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Short

Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon

Air and Space Longevity Service Award 3 oak leaf clusters

Armed Forces Reserve Medal 1 "M" Device

USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon 1 Service Star

Air and Space Training Ribbon

Prior to enlisting in the New York Air National Guard, Sergeant Smith attended courses at Capital Region BOCES for automotives and mechanics. When Sergeant Smith enlisted in the Air National Guard in December 2008, he started out as a Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic after completing technical school in March of 2010. Shortly after he completed his technical training he got hired as a temporary technician in vehicle maintenance section for two years. In 2012, Sergeant Smith then transferred to a full-time position in Ground Transportation. Over the past thirteen years Sergeant Smith has led the Ground Transportation section where he revitalized the vehicle fleet while supervising ten airmen, navigated three wing inspections and maintained vehicles and equipment valued at 2 million dollars.

In 2021 Sergeant Smith deployed for Operation Juniper Shield in Niger, Africa where he worked as the equipment support NCOIC. During this deployment he worked as base support alongside the Army accomplishing; three humanitarian off sight missions, managing a, twenty-seven vehicle flight, overseeing transportation of 145 tons of cargo, 210 passengers and over five hundred lease vehicle U-drive-it dispatches supporting 144 million dollar installation while maintaining one hundred percent fleet serviceability. Additionally, he liaised with the 116th Military Intelligence bigrade, overseeing transportation for over 140 million dollars of MQ-1 critical assets.

Tech. Sgt. Smith has held various roles over the time he has been in Ground Transportation to include, serving as the Ground Transportation Advisory representative for FEMA Region 2, managing government purchase cards for wing level acquisitions and currently overseeing quality assurance for the Ground Transportation section. Additionally, Sergeant Smith has taken on the additional duty of First Sergeant for the Logistics Readiness Squadron showing his leadership skills and capabilities and his dedication to the unit.