An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

386th NEWS

Rock Solid Warrior: Staff Sgt. Michael Rumfelt

  • Published
  • By Courtesy Story
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA – I’m Staff Sgt. Michael Rumfelt, the 386th EAMXS C-130 crew chief. I am deployed from the 182nd Airlift Wing at Peoria Air National Guard Base, Ill. I joined the Air Force because of family tradition, obligation of duty and educational opportunities.

My job here is to do maintenance on the C-130 aircraft; everything from fuel, to changing tires, towing, jacking, electrical, engine, and hydraulic maintenance. Launching and recovering aircraft. I am solely responsible for maintenance, documentation and electronic input. I maintain communications with the crew and other maintenance personnel to accomplish the mission. I supervise personnel to accomplish maintenance tasks

In a deployed environment, the pace is much higher here and we perform nonstop maintenance to accomplish the mission. This is my first time deploying to this location and it’s very similar to other deployments in this part of the world.

Overcoming that task can be difficult but is possible due to the outstanding maintainers I work with. Our mission is only possible as a team effort. It can be a challenge accomplishing a wide range of tasks to ensure the aircraft are ready for the mission. The best part of the mission is seeing the cargo going down range to the troops that need it most.

My professional goal is to successfully retire from the Air Force. I also plan to complete my Bachelor’s degree on this deployment, pay off my house and continue my civilian career.

Some of my hobbies include hunting, fishing, rock climbing, working out and spending time with family and friends.