WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- -- Col. Brian Leiter, deputy commander of the 442d Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, is retiring after a distinguished career spanning over two decades.
As deputy commander, Leiter was responsible for the manning, training, and combat readiness of approximately 1,300 Air Force reservists at Whiteman AFB and the 476th Fighter Group at Moody AFB, Georgia. Those who know him best describe him as a personable and dedicated leader, always putting the needs of his airmen first.
Leiter's career began as an enlisted A-10 maintenance crew chief in the 442d Maintenance Group at Whiteman. He earned his commission through Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, in 1999.
Throughout his career, Leiter served in various leadership positions, including Inspector General for Inspections at the Wing level, Wing Inspection Team Chief at the Group level, and Commander of the 442d Operations Support Flight. He also served as Assistant Director of Operations and Chief of Scheduling and Training at the Squadron level. Before his current role, he was an Individual Mobilization Augmentee to Chief, Combat Operations Division, 613th Air Operations Center, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Known for his tireless work ethic, Leiter consistently went above and beyond to ensure the success of his team and the mission.
A command pilot, Leiter has logged more than 3,400 flight hours, including 780 combat hours, in aircraft such as the T-37, T-38, AT-38, OA-10, A-10A, A-10A+, and A-10C.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with fourteen oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Those closest to Leiter know that beyond his dedication to the Air Force, his greatest love is for his family. He looks forward to spending more time with them in retirement.
His retirement marks the end of a career dedicated to service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the airmen under his charge.