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Charlotte-Based Air Guardsman Hand-Picked to Provide Security for Michelle Obama

  • Published
  • By Lt Col Robert Carver
  • Joint Forces Headquarters
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.