Lieutenant Colonel Keith C. Yersak is the commander of the 442d Mission Support Group, one of three groups in the 442d Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. He is responsible for the command leadership of a four-squadron group, which encompasses emergency operations, readiness, security, construction, communications, fire protection, explosive ordnance disposal, human resources, food services, fuels, transportation, supply and Military and Family Readiness. The 442d Mission Support Group provides base support functions for a unit equipped, Total Force Enterprise, combat-coded A-10 Thunderbolt II unit.
Yersak served 17 years in the enlisted force with the 442d Force Support Squadron before receiving his commission from the Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tenn. in November 2003. Since then, he has served in various operational capacities as Wing Inspector General, J4 Deputy Director, and Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, coupled with joint logistics planning experience and with a vast personnel background as Wing Executive Officer and Group Executive Officer. with a 17 year enlisted history working within the Force Support Squadron.
Prior to his current position, the lieutenant colonel served as the 442d Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander.
EDUCATION
1991 Associate, Human Resource Management, Community College of the Air Force
1994 Bachelor of Science, Conservation Enforcement, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg
2003 Bachelor of Science, Academy of Military Science, McGhee-Tyson Air Force Base, Tenn.
2006 Squadron Officer School, by correspondence
2014 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence
2021 Air War College, by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
1. November 2003 – May 2008 442d Operations Group Executive Officer, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
2. May 2008 – January 2018 442d Fighter Wing Executive Officer, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
3. January 2018 – June 2022 Commander, 442d Logistics Readiness Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
4. June 2022 – August 2023 Wing Inspector General, 442d Fighter Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
5. August 2023 – Present Commander, 442d Mission Support Group, Whiteman AFB, Mo.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air and Space Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Army Achievement Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant November 21, 2003
First Lieutenant November 21, 2005
Captain November 21, 2007
Major May 29, 2014
Lieutenant Colonel August 19, 2019