The Military Training Instructor Association is comprised of a cadre of current and former Military Training Instructors who dedicate countless hours throughout the year to ensure the mission of the USAF MTIA is carried out.
MTIA Leadership
SMSgt Eric Garza
Vice President
CMSgt (Ret) John J. Pavey, Jr., served on active duty from 18 September 1978 until 31 October 2000. He served in BMT from August 1985 until October 1990. He was assigned to the 3706 BMTS from August 1985 until December 1987. In January 1988, he was reassigned to Stan Team, where he ultimately served as the NCOIC of Drill and Ceremonies. He was awarded his Blue Rope in March 1987 and was later selected as the BMT Blue Rope of the Year in 1987. Chief Pavey has been President of the MTIA from its founding in 2002 until the present.
SMSgt Eric Garza is the Chief, Standardization/Evaluation Division of Air Force Basic Training. Senior Garza is a Master Military Training Instructor and was selected as the BMT Blue Rope of the Year in 2019.
TSgt Sarah Giard
Vice President
TSgt Sarah N. Giard is a Master Military Training Instructor assigned to the 321 TRS. She has been in the Air Force for 12 years and arrived to Military Training Instructor School in August of 2020. Through the past three years she has performed as an MTI Trainer, Military Drill & Ceremonies NCOIC, and Section Chief. TSgt Giard was the 321 TRS Rookie of the Year for 2021. She was awarded her Blue Rope in May 2022, and was selected as the 321 TRS Blue Rope of the Year for 2022.
TSgt Brandon Vazquez
Vice President
TSgt Brandon L. Vazquez entered active duty on 27 March 2011, through the 324 TRS. He began his BMT tour in May 2019 and is currently assigned as a Section Chief (Instructor Supervisor) at the 323 TRS where he was the 2020 Squadron Rookie of the Year, earned his AETC Master Instructor certification in October 2020, was awarded the 2021 MTI of the Year, assigned as an MTI Trainer (Black Rope), and was awarded his Master MTI Blue Rope in December 2021. In January 2022, he was selected to serve on Stan Team where he updated multiple Group policies that enhanced and modernized BMT operations. He was later selected as the 331 TRS Blue Rope of the Year in 2023.
CMSgt Daniel Anderson
Historian
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CMSgt Daniel Anderson is currently the 48th Medical Group Superintendent, RAF Lakenheath. He previously served two tours of duty in BMT, most recently as the BMT Senior Enlisted Leader.