Col. Benjamin M. Gerds is the commander of the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin. As commander, he is responsible for organizing, training and equipping over 1,000 active-guard and traditional forces that simultaneously serve state and federal missions while falling under the Governor of Wisconsin and the President of the United States of America. The 115th Fighter Wing operates the F-35A Lightning II as its primary weapon system.
Beginning his military career in October 1998 as an enlisted Airman, Col. Gerds served as an F-16 weapons system apprentice before earning a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He attended officer candidate selection school and earned his commission in 2002. Over his 26 years of services he has served as the 176 Fighter Squadron Weapons Officer, 176 Fighter Squadron Commander, Wisconsin National Guard State Director of Operations, 115th Fighter Wing Unit Conversion Officer. Prior to his current position the colonel was the 115th Operations Group Commander.
During this time, he has deployed eight times in support of expeditionary and overseas missions including Operations NOBLE EAGLE, IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOMS SENTINEL and RESOLUTE SUPPORT. Col. Gerds is a United States Air Force Weapons School graduate and is a command pilot with more than 2,800 flying hours in the F-35A, F-16C/D, T-38A/C, and T-37.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: command pilot
Flight hours: more than 2,800
Combat hours: 507
Aircraft flown: F-35A, F-16C/D, T-38A/C and T-37
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with seven “C” devices and six oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Combat Action Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
First Lieutenant Feb. 22, 2004
Captain Feb. 22, 2006
Major Feb. 22, 2010
Lieutenant Colonel Sep. 1, 2015
Colonel Jan. 31, 2024
(Current as of November 2024)