Army brat new deputy at 908th AW

MAXWELL AFB, Ala. - Col. Michael D. Bennett is the 908th Airlift Wing’s new deputy commander. 

The 908th Airlift Wing is a C-130 theater airlift unit assigned to Air Force Reserve Command. Its mission is to recruit, organize and train Air Force reservists for active duty in time of war, national emergency or when otherwise required. 

Bennett’s interest in flying began at age 10. At 17, he joined the Ohio Army National Guard, where he served as a cavalry scout in Lebanon, Ohio. 

He served five years as an enlisted Soldier, but never lost the desire to fly. 

His then troop commander suggested he apply to Officer Candidate School, with the expectation that he would fly helicopters. By 1999, he was attending OCS. 

In August 2000, he commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and was assigned as Platoon Leader for a brigade in McConnelsville, Ohio. 

“I never thought I’d fly in the military ... but I wanted to fly airplanes... and the Army doesn't have many of those.”

Fortunately for Bennett, the Air Force has several. 

During OCS, he learned about the flying opportunities with the AF Reserve and began applying to flying units. 

A little over a year with the brigade, he cross-commissioned into the AF Reserve, and by February 2002 he was a student at the 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus AFB in Mississippi.  After graduating, he was assigned to the 356th Airlift Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB as a C-141 Starlifter aircraft commander.

His plan was to do six years and get out, but those six ended 21 years ago.

He has served assignments in Mississippi, Ohio, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and the Middle East.  He has master’s degrees in Aeronautical Science and Military Operational Art and Science.