Bruce Ernest Hamilton was born January 30, 1960 in Norfolk, Massachusetts. He graduated from high school in 1977 and worked in various regions throughout Boston while drumming with several local rock bands. In 1978, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he attended Glendale Community College. In July of 1980, he joined the Air Force and entered active duty reporting to Lackland AFB, Texas in August 1980. After completing basic training, Airman Hamilton reported to Lowery AFB, Colorado and trained as an Aerospace Dining Facility Technician (Cook).
In December 1980, upon graduating from technical training, Amn Hamilton reported to the 513th Military Airlift Wing RAF Mildenhall, England. He worked with the elite: 10th Air Command and Control Squadron, supporting the EC-135, SR-171, and U-2 alert crews. He performed Security Police duties on a full time basis for 18 months and eventually returned to his career. He won a base talent contest in 1982—drummer—and left for Scott AFB, Illinois to tryout for the "Tops in Blue" Air Force band. Although not selected, it was the highlight of his assignment.
In January 1984, SrA Hamilton departed England; he laterally retrained as a dietician assigned to the 314th Medical Group, 314th Tactical Airlift Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. Later that year the wing chose him as a Social Actions drug and alcohol speaker for assigned personnel and high school students. He successfully advanced on to a new profession after "Palace Balance".
In March 1985, Sgt Hamilton reported to Chanute AFB, Illinois and retrained as an Aerospace Ground Equipment mechanic. In July 1985, he returned to Little Rock AFB, with the 314th Field Maintenance Squadron supporting the C-130 aircraft. After completing his 5-skill level, he was reassigned to the 519th Joint Readiness Training Center supporting Army Special Forces and Rangers.
In September 1990, SSgt Hamilton reported to the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, RAF Upper Heyford, England supporting the F-111 aircraft and sent to DESERT STORM. Upon his return, he was assigned to the Maintenance Operation Center. In September 1992, he PCA’d to the 100th Regional Support Group, RAF Welford, England. As Assistant NCOIC of the AGE Flight, he directly supported munitions movements throughout Europe. He earned a USAFE "Pat on the Back" for the 1993 QAFA and Hazardous Waste Manager of Year.
In March 1994, SSgt Hamilton reported to the 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England as assistant 493rd CAT Chief, supporting the F-15 aircraft. In December, he began numerous laterals and emergent challenges as Flight Administration, Training-Instructor, Squadron Quality Manager, Programs Director, and ultimately Assistant First Sergeant. Bruce’s talent of expressing the hard work the 48th EMS performed on a daily basis earned them the Secretary of Defense Phoenix award for Maintenance Excellence in 1995. During his assignment, he realized a personal goal and completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management.
In August 1999, TSgt Hamilton reported to the 388th Maintenance Squadron, Hill AFB Utah as the assistant 4th CAT Chief, supporting the F-16 aircraft. During his short and nevertheless memorable assignment, he was honored as the AGE Flight NCO of the 4th Quarter 1999 and flight nominee as Logistics Group NCO of the Year for 1999. On May 5, 2000, having experienced the Air Force, he is retired after 20 years of service.
After retiring Bruce moved his family back to Arizona. He spent much of his time with his infant daughter being "Mr. Mom", a role he took to naturally [which surprised himself most of all]. After taking several months off, Bruce geared himself up to join the work force again. He interviewed many potential employers and had found a company he liked when he was taken from us so quickly.
Bruce is missed dearly by his wife Denise, their two sons Lee and Shane, and their daughter Crystal.. Many in the Air Force Community also feel the loss, especially his very dear friends in England and scattered about the world—The Lunch Crew.