Funk selected for Presidential Advance Action Team

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As Air Force One pulls into the small-town airfield, throngs of media and well-wishers are there to greet the president. Alongside them stands a select group of Airmen selected to be presidential representatives at the arrival location.

Arriving days before the president, members of the Presidential Advanced Action Team ensure the airfield is ready for his arrival and support agencies are on hand when Air Force One lands.

Capt. Brad Funk of the 90th Flying Training Squadron was one of seven people recently selected from Air Education and Training Command to serve as members of this prestigious group.

"The Air Force supports the president in any fixed-wing aircraft he flies on," Captain Funk said. "We work with the airfield to make sure it can handle Air Force One's arrival."

He also said it is the members of the PAA team that coordinate between the airfield and Air Force One and with local media.

Twenty-five officers from AETC applied for the additional duty, and out of those, only 13 arrived in Washington, D.C., for the interview process.

Captain Funk remained at the Pentagon after his selection for additional training, though he said the majority of a PAAT member's training is on-the-job.

Each year applicants from a different major command are eligible to apply. Captain Funk said some times all applicants are selected, and some years none are.

Applicants must be a senior captain or above and are required to submit their last five officer performance reports and a resume. In addition, applicants must have their commander's permission to apply and be able to obtain a presidential top secret clearance.

"Just being able to work for the president is an honor," Captain Funk said. "It seems a little overwhelming, but the experience and training I've had in the Air Force have prepared me for it."