SrA Joshua Hastings is a public affairs specialist assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing public affairs office at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. He is the NCOIC of media relations. In this capacity, he ensures a free flow of information through the news media to the general public, assists in achieving informed public support for the Air Force and joint operations, and responds to inquiries by the news media.
SrA Hastings enlisted into the Air Force in September 2020 and attended the Mass Communication Foundations Course at the Defense Information School in Fort Meade, Maryland where he graduated in May 2021. His first duty location was MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, where he supported the 6th Air Refueling Wing's air refueling mission.
EDUCATION
2011 General Education, Pleasant Hill High School, Pleasant Hill, Mo.
2020 Mass Communication Foundations Course, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
2023 Intermediate Photojournalism Course, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
ASSIGNMENTS
September 2020 - November 2020, Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
November 2020 - May 2021, Student, Technical Training School, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
May 2021 - August 2024, Public Affairs Apprentice, 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
September 2024 - Present, Public Affairs Specialist, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
AF Good Conduct Medal
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2022 Air Force New Photographer of the Year
2022 Air Force Media Award: News Photo
2022 AMC Media Award: Photojournalism
2022 AMC Media Award: New Writer of the Year
2023 AMC Media Award: Military Photographer of the Year
2023 AMC Media Award: Military Writer of the Year
2024 AFGSC Media Award: Military Photographer of the Year
(Current AO March 2025)
