United States Air Force Master Sergeant Joseph Hernon joined the Air Force Reserve in 2004 as to be an Aerospace Maintenance Journeyman in the 439th Airlift Wing, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. In 2008, Sergeant Hernon crossed trained into his current specialty of Emergency Management assigned to the 174th Attack Wing, Hancock Field, Syracuse. In 2010-2011 he deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In 2019, Sergeant Hernon deployed to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. From there he was forward deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.
In all deployments Sergeant Hernon served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of Plans and Operations for Emergency Management. These opportunities afforded him the chance to utilize his emergency management expertise to coordinate and manage base emergency plans that significantly improved response and recovery operations.
Sergeant Hernon was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his actions within Emergency Management and CBRN and HazMat response.
Proudest military moment was being able to respond and help train fellow New Yorkers in disaster preparation. As a National Guard Citizen Preparedness Trainer, He would travel throughout the state educating the local civilian population on what to do before, during, and after disasters.
Today, in addition to still serving in the 174th Attack Wing, Joe is also the Director of Emergency Management and Business Continuity Plans at Syracuse University. He and his wife of eight years, Sara, have two children, son Joey and daughter Isabella.