Mr. Bernard Bruce is the Occupational Safety and Health Manager for the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base (AFB), in Phoenix, AZ. Responsible for managing the Occupational Safety and Health Programs for over 11,000 personnel and 186 Fighter Jet Aircraft assigned, making Luke AFB the largest Fighter Base in the World. Mr. Bruce uses his expertise to plan, develop and implement safety programs for the Wing Commander, the 40 unit functional managers and their safety representatives. The objective is to reduce and eliminate personal injuries, property damage and fatalities.
Mr. Bruce was born in Wilmington, Delaware and after high school, he entered the Air Force and went to Basic Training at Lackland AFB, TX. He went on to serve over 26 years on active duty. His military assignment included overseas tours in the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, Greece, Korea, Germany, Okinawa, England and Saudi Arabia. He has been assigned to state side bases in Nevada, North Dakota, Mississippi, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. His military career included Air Traffic Controller, Military Training Instructor, Radio Announcer, Disc Jockey and Safety Manager. Major awards include four Meritorious Service Medals, three Force Commendation Medals, The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the NATO Medal. Mr. Bruce retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1995.
As a civilian safety professional, Mr. Bruce worked as a Hospital Safety Manager and was promoted to Safety Manager for the 56th Fighter Wing in March 2003. His interests include the study of Afro-American History, and he works with the local police and fire departments to help raise awareness in child safety issues. .Mr. Bruce has a Air Control Degree from the Community College of the Air Force and completed his professional training at the University of Washington with a degree in Occupational Safety and Health. He has attended over 40 professional, leadership, business and safety courses. A highly acclaimed speaker, master trainer and consultant in the field of Air Force safety Programs. .He has developed and implemented training programs for the Air Force since 1980. He has earned a number of Air Force Awards including the Safety Manager Of The Year three times.
Mr. Bruce is married to Arlene, also of Wilmington, and they have four children; son TSgt David Bruce, currently assigned to Misawa AB, Japan; daughters: Kelly Bruce, a Social Worker in the United Kingdom; Angelique Bruce, a 2nd Lt. at Luke; and Bianca, a student at Concordia University in California.