Lt. Col. Scott J. Grotbo retired as the commander of the 182d Air Support Operations Group, 182nd Airlift Wing, in Peoria, Illinois. During his tenure, he oversaw Special Warfare subject matter experts supporting eight aligned Air Support Operations Squadrons' Command, Operations, and Support programs, enhancing combat mission readiness of the Tactical Air Control Party Weapons System, advocating for the community, and setting the example for personal and professional development.

Lt. Col. Grotbo began his military career in 1995 by enlisting in the Illinois Air National Guard as a Tactical Air Control Party specialist with the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron. He deployed as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller for Operations Desert Spring and Enduring Freedom, attached to Operational Detachment Alphas with various Special Forces Groups. Commissioning as an officer in 2004 after graduating from the Academy of Military Science, he served in roles including Air Liaison Officer, Assistant Director of Operations for the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron, Assistant Director of Operations for the 182nd Air Support Operations Group, and Commander of the 168th Air Support Operations Squadron.

Lt. Col. Grotbo facilitated the establishment of the Air Support Operations Group's Operations section and implemented training, standardization and evaluation, and weapons and tactics programs for eight aligned air support operations squadrons. He played a key role in establishing Tactical Air Control Party and Air Support Operations Center missions during four evolutions of the Northern Strike joint-fires exercise. Lt. Col. Grotbo achieved fighter duty officer qualification in May 2015 to fulfill his role in the Air Support Operations Center mission and eventually command the squadron. Before his retirement, he served as the Deputy Commander for the 182nd Air Support Operations Group, 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Bronze Star with "V" device

Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Commendation Medal with "V" device and three oak leaf clusters Army Commendation Medal

Air Force Achievement Medal

Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster

Lt.Col Scott Grotbo