TSgt Alexander Cook is assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office as the non-commissioned officer in charge of Media Operations for the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. In this capacity, he manages media operations and wing engagement support for the 11th largest media market in the nation of more than 4.3 million people.
Sgt. Cook enlisted into the Air Force in March of 2016 and attended the Basic Photojournalism Course at the Defense Information School in Fort Meade, Maryland where he graduated in October of 2016. His first duty station was Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where he was selected as the first Public Affairs representative to lead the inaugural year for the F-35 Demonstration Team showcasing the newest fifth-generation fighter at more than 40 airshows across the United States and overseas. In October of 2023, he deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in support of operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
EDUCATION
2008 General Education, A. Crawford Mosley High School, Lyn Haven, Fl.
2016 Basic Photojournalism Course, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
2020 Airman Leadership School, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
2021 Intermediate Photojournalism Course, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
2023 Intermediate Public Affairs Specialist Course, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
ASSIGNMENTS
March 2016 – May 2016, Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas
June 2016 – October 2016, Student, Technical Training School, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
November 2016 – March 2018, Photojournalist Apprentice, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
March 2018 – November 2020, Public Affairs Officer, F-35 Demonstration Team, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
January 2021 – January 2022, Photojournalist Craftsman, 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey
January 2022 – Present, Photojournalist Craftsman, 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs, MacDill Air Force Base, Fl.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
AF Good Conduct Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Short
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2017 Air Force New Military Photographer of the Year
2020 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School
2020 Air Force Military Photographer of the Year
2021 Distinguished Graduate, Intermediate Photojournalism Course
2022 Air Force Military Photographer of the Year
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic March 22, 2016
Airman 1st Class May 20, 2016
Senior Airman September 20, 2018
Staff Sergeant May 1, 2020
Technical Sergeant October 24, 2022
(Current AO November 2024)