Maj. Eric A. Karas is the commander of the 264th Combat Communications Squadron located in Peoria, Illinois. He directs the enlisted and commissioned Airmen providing data, voice, radio and satellite communications services to mission partners around the world.
Maj. Karas began his military career by enlisting in the Illinois Air National Guard as a member of the 264th Combat Communications Squadron in September 2006. He began his career as a computer systems operator journeyman. Major Karas earned his commission in March 2011 through the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science. He has since served as the 264th’s mission engineer and the officer in charge of the readiness flight, combat support flight, and operations Flight.
Maj. Karas deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, supporting air operations against ISIS. Additionally, he mobilized numerous times in support of joint force training operations, most recently in support of NATO’s largest air exercise: Air Defender 2023. Prior to his current position, the major served as the operations flight officer in charge, 264th Combat Communications Squadron, Peoria, Ill.
EDUCATION
2005 Bachelor of Science, Network Technologies, DePaul University, Chicago, Ill.
2007 Basic Military Training, 737th Training Group, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas
2007 Computer Systems Operator Apprentice Training, Air Education and Training Command, Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Miss.
2011 Academy of Military Science, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Ala.
2014 Undergraduate Cyber Training, 333rd Training Squadron, Keesler AFB, Biloxy, Miss.
2018 Cyberspace 200: Joint Intermediate Cyberspace Operations, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio
ASSIGNMENTS
1. September 2007 – January 2011, Computer Systems Operator, 264th Combat Communications Squadron, Peoria, Ill.
2. January 2011 – January 2014, Readiness Flight Officer in Charge, 264th Combat Communications Squadron, Peoria, Ill.
3. January 2014 – February 2022, Cyber Operations Flight Officer in Charge, 264th CBCS, Peoria, Ill.
4. February 2022 – August 2022, Commander (interim), 264th CBCS Peoria, Ill.
5. August 2022 – September 2024, Operations Flight Officer in Charge, 264th CBCS, Peoria, Ill.
6. September 2024 – Present, Commander, 264th CBCS, Peoria, Ill.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2007 Top Graduate, Computer Systems Operator Apprentice School, Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Miss.
2008 Airman of the Year, 264th Combat Communications Squadron
2009 Outstanding Cyberspace Airman, Enlisted, Air Force (ANG) Information Dominance Award
2022 Lt. Col. Edward C. Jones Outstanding Non-rated Officer Award
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
National Guard Association of Illinois (lifetime member)
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant March 3, 2011
First Lieutenant March 3, 2013
Captain March 4, 2015
Major Nov. 7, 2020
(Current as of February 2025)