Captain Sanders began his Air Force career as a Distinguished Graduate from the Air Force Academy in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering (focus in Human Factors) and a minor in Spanish. Demonstrating a commitment to advanced studies, he went on to Stanford University where he completed a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering, specializing in Technology and Engineering Management, in 2022.

Capt. Sanders' technical expertise was immediately leveraged at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he served from 2022 to 2025. For two years, he spearheaded efforts within the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) to develop advanced eye protection for pilots, enhancing aircrew safety and performance. Driven by a desire to serve globally, he volunteered for a deployment to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, where he played a critical role in Joint Task Force-Bravo's (JTF-Bravo) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Serving as a J5 Country Planner, he expertly coordinated operations, activities, and investments, bolstering HADR preparedness and fortifying key partnerships with Central American allies through his contributions to the SOUTHCOM Situational Awareness Team (SSAT).

Recognized for his exceptional leadership and high performance, Capt. Sanders was selected in May 2024 to serve as an Executive Officer to the AFRL Commander, providing direct support to senior leadership in shaping the strategic direction of the 12,000+ person enterprise. He culminated his AFRL tenure as the Flight Operations Lead for the nascent Technology Maneuver Task Force (TMTF). In this pivotal role, he pioneered the establishment and organization of the TMTF, driving the development and formalization of a novel warfare strategy for AFRL, significantly impacting the organization's future capabilities. Furthermore, he quarterbacked the assembly of a high-performing , DAF-wide team of technologists to develop and deploy a critical counter-Unmanned Aerial System (c-UAS) response for the USAF. Capt. Sanders now leverages his diverse operational and technical experiences to inspire and mentor future Air Force leaders at the Air Force Academy in his role as an instructor in the Behavioral Sciences & Leadership Department.

MS, Management Science & Engineering – Stanford University (2020-2022)

BS, Systems Engineering – United States Air Force Academy (2016-2020)

Minor, Spanish – United States Air Force Academy (2016-2020)

Deputy Personnel Protection Direction Lead, Materials & Manufacturing Directorate – WPAFB, Ohio (Apr 2022-May 2024)

J5 Country Planner & SOUTHCOM Situational Awareness Team Battle Captain, JTF-Bravo – Soto Cano, Air Base, Comayagua, HN (Apr 2023-Oct 2023)

Executive Officer to the Commander, Air Force Research Laboratory – Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (May 2024-Jan 2025)

Technology Maneuver Task Force Flight Operations Lead, Integrated Capabilities Directorate – Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (Jan 2025-Jun 2025)

Behavioral Sciences & Leadership Instructor, Dean of Faculty – U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (Jun 2025-present)

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Air and Space Achievement Medal

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Air and Space Longevity Service Award

Air and Space Training Ribbon