JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- #IAMIMSC: Michelle Ransdell
Duty title and unit: Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Protocol Chief
Primary duty responsibilities: I’m the focal point for all protocol needs within the AFIMSC enterprise and the protocol officer for the AFIMSC commander and headquarters staff.
I specialize in retirements; promotions; leadership socials, dinners and engagements; local, community and base wide events; distinguished guest visits; major conferences and summits; and other protocol requirements as needed.
What’s the best part of your job?
Giving “white glove” service to all our distinguished visitors and continuing the time-honored protocol traditions for service members and civilians. There is no detail too small for this girl!
What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment?
Everything in my office is trial-by-fire and last year’s Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conference was the largest event I had ever worked as a protocol officer. The conference’s impact on the Air Force can be felt enterprise wide in the support of the Warfighter. With over 900 personnel, 75 general officers and senior executive staff, and the Air Force chief of staff, it was an amazing experience.
My other honor was providing protocol support for the third change of command for AFIMSC. I was truly honored to be a part of such a time-honored tradition in the military.
Any claims to fame?
• I had several claims to fame while serving on critical care air transport teams for the Air Force. I was the second cardiopulmonary technician in the Air Force to become a CCATT instructor for a 14-day joint prestigious course, which trained officers and enlisted on the flying intensive care unit. I worked Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma response for the 59th Medical Wing Medical Command Cell, helping launch 22 CCATT teams to help evacuate patients from Louisiana and Florida. I was also one of the last Operation Support Flyers in the CCATT world (flew over 170 combat hours with 44 patients) to receive an Air Medal.
• I survived a left-sided stroke 17 years ago this April. I feel like the Hair Club for Men president sometimes: I not only instructed CCATT and flew CCATT, but I was a CCATT patient when flown home from the sand box. Actually, one of my CCATT classmates flew me home. It’s a very small Air Force world.
• I sang Amazing Grace at a memorial for the Komodo 11 Air Force combat search and rescue flight that crashed on a rescue mission in Afghanistan to save two children. All seven on board were killed; thinking of them reminds me of the pararescue code, “… these things I do that others may live.” One of the hardest moments of my deployment was knowing this rescue mission was one we (the CCATT) were supposed to take in when they arrived back to Kandahar, but they never made it.
• Personally, I have been to every state in the continental U.S., 17 countries and moved around every two years of my life from birth to 13. I’m also the only person in my family to earn a master’s degree.
Do you follow any mantra?
Every choice you make is for a reason, whether it’s made for you or not. My life has been full of many choices. I look back on what I have been through and everything happens for a reason.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’ve been with the Air Force on either active duty, civilian or contractor for 20 years. I’ve worn many hats: respiratory technician, cardiology NCOIC, CCATT instructor and Air Mobility Command CCATT pilot unit NCOIC; readiness clerk; executive assistant; workflow; and my favorite (and dream job): protocol.