Maj. Michael Ortiz, chief, Assignments Actions Division, Directorate of Assignments

  • Published
ARPC Spotlight --  Maj. Michael Ortiz, chief, Assignment Actions Division, Directorate of Assignments, is the ARPC Spotlight of the Week.  

Major Ortiz has been in the Air Force for nearly 13 years and is from Portland, Ore.

He enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Ultra Classic through "scenic" Colorado Springs, spending time with his children, mountain biking, snowboarding, and working on his wife's "honey-do" list.

What is your most memorable Air Force experience?

While serving as a wing executive officer at the 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., my boss asked me to join him in accompanying the Thunderbirds during their 2004 Pacific Air Forces Air Show Tour. I met up with my wing commander in Guam and from there we toured the Pacific where the Thunderbirds demonstrated. I felt so proud to be in uniform and to share with local communities the power and strength of the Air Force.

Why did you join the Air Force?

I joined the Air Force to have stability in my life. During my sophomore year in college I realized, more than likely, I was not going to graduate unless I had something stable in my life to keep me on track. I decided to join Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps so that there was something to work for other than a diploma. Since being commissioned, I've never looked back. The Air Force has provided me with opportunities that have made me a better person. 

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?

Nothing. Where else can you work where your benefits are paid for, you get a raise every year and you are able to retire after 20 years of service with a lifetime of pay and healthcare? There is no company in existence today that can offer or match that type of benefits program. 

If you were not in the military, where would you be?

I would be a Formula 1 racecar driver touring overseas. What other occupation exists where the job description reads:  able to drive at high speeds up to 220 mph with engines revving up to 18,000 rotations per minute in cars (Ferrari, BMW, McLaren) capable of pulling in excess of five g-forces at racetracks in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and get paid for it?

What would you like to do when you retire?

I would own and operate my own consulting firm specializing in human resources and marketing.