Brad Gritton, 2007
©Copyright. Photo: Brad Gritton

Brad is based at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX. He assists the Sponsor Group whenever he can. Brad is particularly instrumental in providing ground support to our pilots when they attend the annual Sheppard AFB airshow, or other events.

In March, 1969, Brad enlisted in the USAF and was trained as an Automatic Flight Control and Inertial Guidance Technician. He was honorably discharged in March, 1975. Following this Brad graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with teacher certification majoring in History and Political Science.

After a career in coaching and social sciences, Brad was employed by the Dept. of Defense in February 1985 to serve as an instructor in Electronic Principles. In September 1988, he transferred to the Survival Equipment Course where he remains today instructing.

January, 1991, saw Brad receive a Master Instructor rating. In addition to his instructional duties, Brad also serves as the Environmental Coordinator and Squadron Historian for the 361 Student Training Squadron located at Sheppard AFB. Brad was instrumental in the naming of their building on Sheppard AFB for James H. Doolittle when he discovered Doolittle attended the course in 1921.

Upon transfer to Texas in 1992, Brad became interested in the CAF and joined in February, 1995. He has been a member of the West Texas Wing (where he served two years as Wing Chaplain from 2001-2003) and First Observation Detachment, and is currently a member of the River Bend Squadron and B-24/B-29 Squadron.

Chuck and wife Shirley reside in Burkburnett, TX., and enjoy spending time with their two young grandchildren.