News>Charlotte-Based Air Guardsman Hand-Picked to Provide Security for Michelle Obama
Photos
First Lady Michelle Obama arrives at the 145th North Carolina Air National Guard Base, located in Charlotte NC on March 2, 2012. Raven Team Leader Master Sgt. Michael Caldwell provides close in security for Air Crew and all members on board. Master Sgt Caldwell also serves as the Force Protection advisor to the Aircraft Commander.(Photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Findley, 145th AW Public Affairs)
First Lady Michelle Obama is welcomed by Brig. Gen. Tony E. McMillan, 145th Airlift Wing Commander and wife Vickie upon arrival at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base Charlotte, N.C., March 2, 2012.(Photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Findley, 145th AW Public Affairs)
First Lady Michelle Obama hugs Vickie McMillan wife of Brig. Gen. Tony E. McMillan, commander of the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard upon her arrival at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base in Charlotte, N.C., March 2, 2012. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Findley, 145th AW Public Affairs)
First Lady Michelle Obama is welcomed by Brig. Gen. Tony E. McMillan, Wing Commander, and wife Vickie upon arrival at the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte, N.C., March 2, 2012.. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Findley, 145th AW Public Affairs)
First Lady Michelle Obama is welcomed by Brig. Gen. Tony E. McMillan, Wing Commander, and wife Vickie upon arrival at the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte, N.C., March 2, 2012.. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Findley, 145th AW Public Affairs)
3/2/2012 - CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- When First Lady Michelle Obama's aircraft touches down at Charlotte Douglas International Airport today, a hand-selected North Carolina Air National Guard Security Forces Airman will be on board helping provide security for her visit.
Master Sgt. Michael Caldwell of the 145th Security Forces Squadron, part of the 145th Airlift Wing based here, was requested by name to be a part of the First Lady's security detail. He traveled to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday for pre-mission briefings and will accompany Mrs. Obama on the round trip from the nation's capital to North Carolina and back.
Caldwell, who works in his squadron's logistics section tracking deployable Airmen, is a Raven, a highly-trained and specialized type of security forces professional.
"It's a fly-away security program," said 2nd Lt. Adam Cassidy, Caldwell's commanding officer. "Ravens ensure there is a security presence every time a plane touches the ground. When the doors open up, there is a defender on the ground coordinating with a defender on the plane."
Cassidy said Caldwell is always a superior performer consistently recognized for his outstanding service, a distinction that earned him the request from the First Lady's protection unit. Cassidy noted Caldwell received a letter from a member of Congress praising his performance during a congressional delegation trip last summer, something that is indicative of his skill and professionalism.
Caldwell joined the North Carolina Air National Guard in September of 2000.
