Hometown hero

Andrew Todd Wellner joined the United States Air Force when he was 18 years old. He served a total of 27 years achieving rank as Tech Sergeant, with duties that included ground support operation and radio communications.

Andrew was 23 years old when he went to Iraq as part of Operation Desert Storm, where he earned additional awards and decorations for duty performance and operations that he completed.

"You never knew what was going to happen next. Quite an adrenaline rush," Sergeant Wellner said.

Also, while he was there, it snowed for the first time in over 80 years. Now that's quite a record!

In Sgt. Wellner's operations and tours he has had 19 trips around the world, including operations in Iraq, Bosnia, Germany and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, Sgt. Wellner recalls, "The spiders there were huge ... actually the size of a catcher's mitt!"

While assigned to maintenance duties on the Afghanistan tour, Sgt. Wellner's team came under sniper fire in a Hot Zone. Never knowing what the outcome would be in any situation, he was ever mindful of the dangers surrounding him. Yet he was always positive while protecting his unit.

"I was proud to serve my country and would do so again if called upon to serve," he said.

At present time Sgt. Wellner lives in Tehachapi with his lovely wife Tammy, their three cats and two dogs. He works at Edwards Air Force Base in Mojave, as a civilian contractor. Sgt. Wellner is also involved in volunteer work with the Civil Air Patrol in Tehachapi. At Composite Squadron #46 he holds the rank of Captain and is also their current Squadron Commander. Captain Wellner finds working with young cadets very enjoyable and rewarding, knowing there is a possibility these cadets might someday serve their country, as well.

A big shout out to the Bakersfield Condor Hockey Organization who earlier this year recognized Sgt. Wellner for his service on their "veterans Appreciation Night." By the way, the Condors won their game that night.

Thank you, Sergeant Wellner for your service to our country!

Like many of our Tehachapi residents who have served and continue to do so, we commend and salute you all as our Hometown Heros.

Awards & Decorations

Air Force Commendation Medal: 1 Device

Air Force Achievement Medal: 2 Devices

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 3 Devices

Air Force Good Conduct Medal: 2 Devices

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious

Service Medal: 5 Devices

National Defense Service Medal: 2 Devices

Southwest Asia Service Medal: 2 Devices

Iraq Campaign Medal: 1 Device

Armed Forces Service Medal: 1 Device

AF Longevity Service: 2 Devices

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 2 "M" Devices.