Master Sergeant Bruce Gibson was born on September 7, 1968, in Knox County, Kentucky, to Fount and Maggie Pauline Hatfield Gibson. He was the youngest of twelve siblings, growing up with seven sisters and four brothers in a loving and supportive family environment.  On March 4, 1989, Bruce married Pamela S. Vaughn, and together they welcomed a son, Tyler, and a daughter, Brittany Paige. Family was of utmost importance to Bruce, and he cherished the time spent with his wife and children.

Bruce enlisted in the military on November 25, 1986, dedicating himself to a career of service. His commitment to his country led him to serve in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom from 2005 to 2006, where he held various roles, including supply technician and control specialist. His leadership and dedication earned him the rank of Master Sergeant, and he was an integral part of a Detachment of Joint Force Headquarters at the time of his passing.

In May 2016, MSG Bruce Gibson, was recommended for the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Brigadier General Timothy L. Frye, USAF, Director of Logistics & Engineering for the National Guard Bureau.  Gibson had distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as the Senior Logistics NCO to the National Guard Bureau J4’s, Consequence Management Support Center located in Lexington, KY from 1 October 2013 to 28 May 2016.  During this period, the outstanding professional skill, knowledge, and ceaseless efforts of MSG Gibson resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of the entire National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Enterprise (CRE).  MSG Gibson was a vital part of the operations at the Consequence Management Support Center.  His extensive logistical operations background proved highly effective in helping streamline many of the processes and he regularly worked long hours to accomplish the support mission.  MSG Gibson oversaw the warehouse inventory operations of more than 2,900 line items and an inventory totaling almost $112 million and an increase of more than fifty percent (50%) in storage locations at the new facility at Blue Grass Station in Lexington, KY.  MSG Gibson managed the maintenance budget of almost $10 million.  The maintenance operations comprised over 9,800 work orders and were completed at every CRE location in all fifty states and US territories.  The distinctive accomplishments of MSG Gibson, culminate a distinguished career in the service of his Country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army and the Department of Defense.

Tragically, Bruce’s life was cut short when he succumbed to lung cancer on July 26, 2016, at his home in Winchester, Clark County, Kentucky.  MSG Gibson was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma in August 2014 during his Title 32 Active Duty service, and despite being placed on the permanent disability list on May 6, 2016, he faced his battle with courage and determination.  MSG Gibson was medically discharged on May 28, 2016.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Keith and Paul Gibson. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, his children, Tyler and his wife Amber, and Brittany, along with his brothers Larry Wayne and Ronnie, and his seven sisters. He left behind a large extended family and a community of friends who mourned his passing.

He was laid to rest in Betty Frost Cemetery in Woollum, Knox County, Kentucky, following funeral services held at the Hampton Funeral Home. Friends and family gathered to pay their respects, honoring a man who dedicated his life to both his family and his country.

Bruce Gibson's legacy continues through the love of his family and the memories shared by those who knew him. He is remembered not only for his military service but also for his unwavering spirit and commitment to those he loved.