Master Sgt. John Branch was born in Houston, Texas, but was raised in Lakeland, Florida. He comes from a long lineage of native Floridians. He graduated from George Jenkins High School and later joined the Army in 2007 as a OH-58D (R) helicopter repairer (15S).
After Basic training and AIT, he was assigned to Bravo TRP 2nd Squadron-6th Cavalry Regiment in Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii. While at Wheeler Army Airfield, he deployed to Irag in 2009. In February 2010, Master Sgt. Branch completed Green Platoon, the assessment process for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Airborne or 160th SOAR (Airborne). He was then assigned to A Co, 1st BN, 160th SOAR (Airborne). While in A Co, 1st BN, MSG Branch deployed over a dozen times to multiple locations and participated in over 50 training exercises.
MSG Branch's schools include Master Leader Course, Joint Firepower Course, Risk Management, Ground Safety Officers Course, Accident Investigation Course, Antiterrorism Evasive Driving Course, Instructor Training Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Airborne, multiple SERE courses, A/MH 6M Maintainers Course, Combatives Level 1, Enlisted Combat Skills, Unit Armorer Course, and Advanced Drivers Training.
MSG Branch's awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal (5), Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Superior Unit Award, Air Force Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (5), National Defense Service Medal (2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Senior Aircrew Member Badge, Parachutist Badge.