22nd Air Force command chief to retire in June

  • Published
  • By 22nd AF Public Affairs
  • 22nd AF/PA
22nd Air Force, Ga. --  Chief Master Sgt. Michael Thorpe, 22nd Air Force command chief, will retire in June after serving more than 28 years in the Air Force Reserve.

Thorpe entered the Reserve in 1988. After completing basic training and Combat Arms Technical School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, he was assigned to Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts. There, he served as a Security Forces Traditional Reservist throughout his career, promoting to Chief Master Sgt. on Oct. 1, 2007.

“Chief Thorpe has been a phenomenal wingman who has tirelessly served the Airmen of 22nd Air Force,” said Maj. Gen. Stayce Harris, 22nd AF commander. “As a TR NAF (Numbered Air Force) command chief, I have marveled at how he manages it all. He's rallied the Command Chiefs in Double-Deuce as they work every day to better serve our enlisted force. I've watched him repeatedly spend time with our most junior members seeking guidance on force development.”

Thorpe noted his two deployments were some of the highlights of his career. He first deployed in 1990 in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and again in 2001 in support of Operation Noble Eagle. He specifically enjoyed his time deployed to the Middle East as a First Sergeant during the holiday season.

“Just being there for the Airmen and making sure they were taken care of during those tough times of being away from family and friends really gave me cause to realize what sacrifices our Citizen Airmen make to serve our country on any given day,” Thorpe said.

In February 2014, Thorpe assumed the role of command chief for 22nd Air Force. During his 27-month tenure, he said he’s aimed to be the number one cheerleader for the unit’s talented Airmen, some of whom have been recognized as being among the best in the Air Force Reserve and the Air Force.

“Last year, we had a senior airman from the 908th Security Forces Squadron [Maxwell AFB, Alabama] recognized as one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year,” Thorpe said. “This year, we have a technical sergeant from the 340th [340th Flying Training Group, JBSA-Randolph, Texas] who will be competing for one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. 22nd Air Force represents the best of the best!”

Thorpe said he plans to spend a lot of time with his newborn grandson in retirement. He also plans on “paying it forward” by becoming a member of the Retired Chiefs’ Council at the 439th Airlift Wing where he grew up. In his civilian capacity, Chief Thorpe is a State Trooper with the Massachusetts Police.

“I'll miss my Chief, his Boston accent and the fun times and laughs we've shared,” Harris added. “I thank him for his unrivaled service to our Nation and Air Force Reserve, and wish him and his family all the best in his military retirement! He's always welcome home to Double-Deuce!"