SSG Brayden Beam is currently assigned as the NCOIC of NASAMs Team 12, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 2nd Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment.
His team was nominated for the MDAA award by his Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant. SSG Beam has been an integral piece to the success of the unit’s current mission. His attention to detail, leadership attributes, and technical competence enhanced the mission readiness for his team during Exercise America Shield, the unit’s pre-deployment Culminating Training Event, and throughout the NCR mission.
SSG Beam, a 91B (mechanic), has crewmembers that are 68W (medic) and 14S (avenger crewmember), respectively. He was able to gel the conglomerate of duty assignments into a well-functioning NASAMs team without having any prior air defense experience. SSG Beam enlisted in August 2017 with the Ohio Army National Guard and has been assigned to HHC 155 Chemical Battalion, 73rd Troop Command, E Company 2/37th BSB, 212th Maintenance Company, and Delta Battery 1-174 ADA BN. Upon completion of this mission, he will be assigned to the 1482nd Transportation Company as their Senior Mechanic and Motor Sergeant.
He has graduated the Army’s Basic Leader Course and has completed Distributed Leader Course II. His deployment includes his current mission, in support of Operation Noble Eagle (2023-24). His military medals and awards include: 1- Army Achievement Medal; 2- Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals; 1- National Defense Service Medal; 1- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; 1- Armed Forces Service Medal; 1- Army Service Ribbon; 1- Ohio Faithful Service Ribbon; 1- Ohio Special Service Ribbon; 1- Ohio Award of Merit; and 1- DC Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon.
His favorite part of being in the military, is all the good times he’s had with friends along the way. SSG Beam’s civilian occupation is a dual-status federal employee, maintenance inspector at FMS 12 in Kettering, Ohio. He also possesses a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and enjoys golfing in his spare time. SSG Beam resides with his wife Katie, and daughter, Addie (2) in Springfield, Ohio.
