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Logistics officer, Springfield native, finishes tour as deployed squadron's director of operations

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Just over a year ago when he stepped in as the director of operations for the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at a non-disclosed base here, Maj. Michael L. Horsey knew it was going to be job that had significant impact.

"Sir Winston Churchill described it best," said Major Horsey, who as director of operations for the 380th ELRS led combat ops for four flights of 144 Airmen supporting Air Forces Central's only combined intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and tanker wing. "He said, 'Victory is the beautiful, bright colored flower. Logistics is the stem without which it could never have blossomed.' Can I say it any more clearly than that? Our Air Force mission is to fly, fight, and win. Flying at this deployed location means aircraft must be mission capable and ELRS provides the aircraft parts necessary to keep the fleet healthy as one example."

Major Horsey noted how the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing holds a unique set of mission capabilities for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and how that air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance mission in support of overseas contingency operations could be done without his ELRS Airmen.

"Our U-2 (Dragon Lady) and (RQ-4) Global Hawk aircraft can't be the eyes in the sky without fuel," Major Horsey said. "The E-3 Sentry (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft can't control the air without fuel our KC-10 can't fuel the fight without fuel. The 380th ELRS runs the Air Force's second largest aircraft fuels operation, providing more than 40 percent of all aircraft fuel to the AOR. These capabilities directly impact combat troops engaged in the fight."

He added that the 380th ELRS' Transportation Management Office and Air Terminal Operations Center are "direct links" to all cargo and packages coming into and leaving the base and logistics planners control the process that rotates more than 5,000 Airmen annually through the wing. It ensures the complex rotation process does not impact our mission success," Major Horsey said.

"The bottom line is while every squadron within the 380th AEW is critical to mission success, ELRS has the widest reaching, direct impact to the wing's mission," he said.

The major's next assignment will have him working in Air Mobility Command's Headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. In his time serving with 380th ELRS however, Major Horsey earned the Air Combat Command Logistics Readiness Field Grade Officer of the Year for 2009.

"Here with the 380th, I have the pleasure of leading the Air Force's second largest aircraft fuels operation," Major Horsey said. "This is truly a once-in-a-career opportunity. Over the last year, our squadron led the AOR in many areas too. As a testament to the hard work of all ELRS Airmen, I received the award and am currently competing at the Air Force level."

In serving in the Air Force and the military for the last 14 years, Major Horsey cites many reasons for his continued service.

"I'm constantly honored by the opportunity to serve not only my country, but my God as well. As I look back at my decision to pursue my commission, I can attribute my decision to nothing less than God's will in my life."

When he was growing up, Major Horsey said he had no aspiration to join the military.

"I was raised in a patriotic family, my father proudly and honorably served the Air Force as an enlisted Airman for four years, but that was the extent of my exposure to the Air Force," he said. "I had planned to become a physician and studied biochemistry in my undergraduate education. After receiving my bachelor's degree, I accepted a job to work as a chemist instead of heading off to medical school. I worked for a little over a year when, out of the blue, I was moved to join the military."

He said the decision to join the Air Force came in 1995.

"Desert Storm was quickly becoming history, and there wasn't much in the way of military events," Major Horsey said. "I had never before considered joining the military, and definitely not as a career choice. The thought was so strong though, that I could do nothing else but respond to it. Less than a year later, I was off to (Air Force) Officer Training School."

Looking back at 14 years, Major Horsey said he believes he was led down his career path on purpose. He said this past year in Southwest Asia has also helped him build on his faith.

"My family has experienced things that I would have never imagined," he said. "I've had doors opened to me, on both a professional and personal level, that could not have happened without God's influence. I've had experiences that have strengthened my faith in God while challenging me to grow as a Christian. For example, upon my arrival here, the wing chaplain approached me about leading a service as a lay minister. I accepted and led the service for most of my year tour. This was a great and challenging experience."

Major Horsey said he appreciates many mentors he's had in his career. They include retired Maj. Gen. Ann Harrell and Col. Tracy Hardwick -from Air Combat Command and Pacific Air Forces Command respectively, and Gen. Kevin Chilton, U.S. Strategic Command commander.

"It's also an incredible experience to have true mentor/leaders who offer enduring support even when the road gets tough," he said. "During a couple low points of my career, when I was one quick decision from resigning my commission, General Harrell steered me in the right direction and singlehandedly changed my mind. Later, Colonel Hardwick offered his support of me and quickly became a true mentor for me.

"I also got to serve directly under General Chilton," Major Horsey said. "General Chilton was a NASA astronaut and had commanded two shuttle missions. He rapidly rose in the ranks to receive his fourth star. He's a great mentor who, despite his professional successes, remains dedicated to his family. General Chilton recently offered his endorsement of me to the AMC commander who hired me for my next assignment on the AMC headquarters staff."

Major Horsey said he is looking forward to his next assignment and is thankful for having been able to serve with the Airmen in the 380th ELRS. In offering some parting advice, he reminds to remember those who are closest to you.

"While we all like to think that life and our career will be smooth sailing, we often hit speed bumps," said Major Horsey, whose hometown is Springfield, Mo. "Some are much bigger than others. At those times, when we most need support from others, it has been a blessing to have a support base to fall back on. For me, first, that is my family, my wife, children, and parents. During the high times, and especially the low times, they have always supported me."

The 380th AEW is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.