Master Sergeant Michael J. Brown (Air National Guard) and his family were in attendance at Syracuse University’s football game against ACC opponent Wake Forest University on Saturday, Sept. 12. At every home game, the Syracuse University Athletics Department and the Office for Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) honor a “Hometown Hero” and their family, recognizing their service and sacrifice to our nation and the Central New York community.
MSGT Brown entered the United States Navy in 1994 as a Fireman Recruit. He subsequently went on to serve as a SEABEE in the Naval Reserves and now serves as a Heavy Equipment Operator at the 174th Attack Wing, Air National Guard Hancock Field, Syracuse, N.Y. During his various enlistments, MSGT Brown served in four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
MSGT Brown was recognized by his unit for his admirable actions during a 2011 deployment to Afghanistan. During the deployment, MSGT Brown led a team of three airmen who extinguished a massive fire on Bagram Air Base and ultimately prevented the evacuation of 8,000 personnel to include the base hospital. For his heroic efforts, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with VALOR.
In his civilian life, MSGT Brown is employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in North Syracuse, and he is a volunteer fireman holding positions of lieutenant, captain, and secretary with the Moyers Corners Volunteer Fire Department.
MSGT Brown was joined on the field by his wife, Kim, and son, Troy.