Chief Master Sergeant James E. Brand

Chief Master Sergeant James E. Brand is Chief Recruiting Operations Directorate, Headquarters Tenth Air Force, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas.

Chief Brand was born on July 16, 1933, in Montpelier, Mississippi. He graduated from Aberdeen High School, Aberdeen, MS, where he excelled in Basketball and Football as a three year letterman.

After completing high school, he joined the Air Force. Upon completion of basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, Chief Brand began technical training at Lowry AFB, CO as an aerial photographer. After graduation in May, 1954, he was assigned to the 1370th Photo Mapping Group, Palm Beach AFB, Fl, from where he was sent on temporary duty assignments throughout the world to perform precision mapping duties for Army Map Service.

In October, 1961, Chief Brand left the military and returned to civilian life, whereupon he held various positions for 13 years before returning to the military as a reservist in 1974. In April, 1980, he had the opportunity to join the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Program. Upon completion of recruiting school, he was assigned to Minot AFB, ND as an in-service recruiter. In June, 1982, he received an assignment to Little Rock AFB, AR, as an in-service recruiter. In June, 1984, he was selected to be the senior recruiter for the 926th Tactical Fighter Group, Naval Air Station, New Orleans, LA, where he remained for 4 years, bringing the manning up from 82% to over 100%. In November, 1988, he was selected to be NCOIC of Training for the 2610th Reserve Recruiting Squadron, Bergstrom AFB, TX, staying in that position for only 4 months before moving into the job of Operations NCO. He assumed duties in December, 1990.

Chief Brand’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Armed Services Reserve Medal, and he received numerous awards as a recruiter and as a senior recruiter.

He was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in January, 1991.

Chief Brand has been married for the past 69 years to the former Patricia Lewis o Lake Worth, FL. They have three sons, Philip of Star Valley Ranch, WY, Mark of Lantana, FL and Scott of Ocean Springs, MS.

Chief Brand and Pat retired in Ocean Springs, MS.

On Friday, December 26, 2025, there will be a 9 am graveside service at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Chief Master Sergeant James E. Brand.