US Air Force
58th Veteran of the Quarter
James Gilbert enlisted in the United States Air Force in April 1981. Basic Training was held at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas where he trained as a Security Specialist. Thereafter, Gilbert was assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) in Missouri to the Missile Security Squadron until August of 1984.
Over the next 20 years, Gilbert traveled the world. From 1984 thru 1986 he was stationed in Türkiye, then from 86-93 he was at Buckley Air National Guard Base in Colorado, from 93-96 in Japan, then back to Whiteman AFB in Missouri until 2001.
Gilbert offers insight into a few experiences from his 20-year service. In 1981, as the leader of the Alarm Response Team, he detected a Fuels/ Chemical leak at a Nuclear Missile Launch Site. In 1983 he served as Shift Leader of the Armament and Re-Equipment Room at Whiteman AFB and was responsible for maintaining strict accountability for a large automatic weapons and munitions account. In 1984, while in Türkiye, he was a member of the Emergency Service Team responsible for coverage of Southern Europe and North Africa. There he participated in the House Watch Program. From 86-93 as Flight Chief, 2nd Communications Squadron/ Security Police, he was stationed in Buckley, CO, and responsible for the protection of Priority A Resources and was appointed by the commander as Liaison to National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO). There, he was selected for a Temporary Duty Assignment to Taif, Saudi Arabia as a Special Security Advisor to “Operation Restore Hope” and anti-terrorism Non-Commissioned Officer. He was also involved in many situations to include: responding to fires and medical emergencies where he was nominated to receive the Bronze Star for life-saving efforts, selected as Team Training Officer while developing specialized training, detected and responded to security violations and unauthorized entry to a Priority A facility, and participated in an Air Base Ground Defense demonstration where Brigadier General Martin, lauded Gilbert the AF Top Cop for showing mission readiness for worldwide contingencies.
In 1993 while in Japan, Gilbert was responsible for all personnel security programs for the largest operational Air Force Intelligence Command Unit in the world. He was recognized as a major contributor in the unit receiving the Air Intelligence Agency Excellence Cup and the Misawa Cryptologic Operations 1993 Travis Trophy for the best Cryptologic site within Department of Defense. In 1999, at Whiteman AFB, he maintained maintenance records for the entire fleet of B-2 Stealth Bombers, A-10 Ground Attach Aircraft, and all C130 Transports based west of the Mississippi River.
In May of 2001, James Gilbert Retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. Gilbert received the awards and accolades to include, Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Air Achievement Medal with 1 device, AF Good Conduct Medal with 5 devices, National Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 4 devices, AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award with 3 devices, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with 1 device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/ Rifle, and AF Training Ribbon.
After retirement, Gilbert worked for the Union Pacific Railroad out of Sedalia, Missouri and while employed moved to Hollister, Missouri before retiring in 2022. He continues to serve his community in a variety of ways including, POW Network volunteer, Veterans of the Ozarks and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen contributor, Veterans Welcome Home Week event volunteer, and is a member of Trout Unlimited, National Rifle Association. He enjoys working on his model railroad and Fly Fishing. He is married to Kristina, has two children, and six grandchildren.
Veterans are chosen by a panel of peers. To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, stop by any Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form.
THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!