- Seneca Valley School District
- Where Are They Now?
Alumni Q&A with Michael Krysinski, Class of 2006
Posted by the Communications Department on 4/30/2018
Seneca Valley 2006 graduate Michael Krysinski is a United States Air Force Captain who recently earned Company Grade Officer (CGO) of the Year (2017) for the 54th Helicopter Squadron and the 582nd Helicopter Group (CGOs are 2nd Lieutenants, 1st Lieutenants, and Captains). We asked him to catch us up on what he is doing today and how Seneca Valley influenced his life and career.
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing today:
A: I entered the United States Air Force on May 13, 2011 after graduating with honors from Purdue University, Ind. and earning a commission from Reserve Officer Training Corp, Detachment 220. I have since served on active duty for seven years.
Following my commission, I completed Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training - Helicopters, at Fort Rucker, Ala., earning the Distinguished Graduate Award, Academic Award, Flying Training Award, and Order of Daedalians Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Commander’s Trophy. I then completed UH-1N Mission Pilot Training at Kirtland AFB, N.M. earning the Distinguished Graduate Award. I am a technical expert in helicopter flying and instructing High Altitude Mountain operations, Search and Rescue, MEDEVAC and CASEVAC operations over land and sea, static-line parachute and military freefall operations, aerial gunnery, and armed helicopter security operations.
I am currently stationed at Minot AFB, North Dakota, assigned to the 54th Helicopter Squadron (HS). I am a UH-1N helicopter Instructor Pilot and my Squadron’s Chief Evaluator and Functional Check Flight (FCF) pilot.
As an FCF pilot, I work closely with maintenance. When a helicopter is broken, I am responsible for troubleshooting the issue and/or the first pilot to fly the aircraft post-repair to ensure it is operating correctly.
In 2017, I was the Squadron’s Weapons and Tactics Flight Commander. As Flt/CC, I supervised the continuous review and development of UH-1N tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), oversaw the execution of Squadron, Group, and Wing Level exercises, and directed the tactical training required to effectively employ the UH-1N in order to accomplish the Squadron’s Mission Essential Taskings. My work as Flt/CC earned me the Company Grade Officer of the Year award for the 54HS and 58nd Helicopter Group.
My current position within the 54HS is Chief of Standards and Evaluations (as of December, 2017). The 54HS operates in support of the 91st Missile Wing and the Air Force Global Strike Command’s (AFGSC) nuclear deterrence mission. We provide armed helicopter aerial/vehicle interdiction, closed air support (CAS), and the rapid delivery of airborne fire teams to ensure the security of our nation’s nuclear enterprise, specifically the nuclear ICBM launch facilities and nuclear convoy operations.
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: I am happily married to my high-school sweetheart, Brittany (also a 2006 SV graduate). We have been married for seven years and have two children: our daughter, Brooke, five years old, and our son, Finn, two years old.
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: While going through ROTC at Purdue University, I was selected and trained to be a USAF Combatives Instructor. I spent several summers instructing hand-to-hand combat to basic training cadets at Maxwell AFB, AL.
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: First off, SV is where I met my wife, Brittany. The USAF sends me away more than I am home, and Brittany never skips a beat, supporting me and ensuring our children and home are safe and cared for. Additionally, SV offered many opportunities. The teachers and coaches were always supportive, but never coddling. I feel I earned every achievement and failure along the way.
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: Looking back, I appreciate the many opportunities and programs provided by Seneca Valley. In addition to advanced placement math, science, and English programs, I was able to learn valuable life skills in wood, metal working, and home economics. Furthermore, SV offers a wide variety of sports, clubs, and other afterschool activities (I played soccer and volleyball). I played ultimate frisbee on a team organized by my AP Physics class and was also able to co-found the SV Rock Climbing Club which utilized the gym’s climbing wall. Essentially, if there was an activity you were interested in, SV either offered it or helped start it. In addition, the large graduating class size fostered a diverse social experience that prepared me for a successful professional life.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley?
A: SV hosted several Battle of the Bands. My favorite memories are mostly from competing with my band, Warn the Neighbors. I still keep in touch with them today.
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: Thank you. I appreciate the guidance provided and the individual encouragement to always improve. Honest, straightforward feedback and direction goes further than anyone can realize.
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