JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst welcomes U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Wynne as our new 87th Air Base Wing command chief. With more than 25 years of military service, Wynne is fully prepared to take on this position to successfully lead Joint Base MDL into the future. Wynne is joined by his wife Andrea, sons Austin and Cory, and their Boston terrier Gizmo.
Since the start of his military career in August 1996, Wynne progressed from being an aircraft maintainer to a squadron superintendent at the 730th Air Mobility Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan. Prior to being selected by U.S. Air Force Col. Wes Adams, 87th ABW and Joint Base MDL commander, to become the newest 87th ABW command chief, Wynne was serving as the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing command chief at Ramstein AB, Germany.
Thrilled to be a novel addition to the Joint Base MDL community, Wynne explains how he was convinced into joining the U.S. Air Force.
“I was a poor kid raised in Mississippi, and did not have any money for college,” said Wynne. “I did not come from a family with a military history, and I was not a great high school student. I was on the verge of repeating an extra year in high school if I did not succeed during my senior year. While in high school, I had an electronics teacher who was a retired U.S. Air Force commissioned officer, and he encouraged me to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.”
He continued, “At first I was hesitant about joining the military but I proceeded to take the test, and surprisingly, I scored really well. After receiving my test results, my teacher realized that I had potential, which led him in encouraging me to join the U.S. Air Force. After graduating from high school, I decided to go to the nearest Air Force recruitment station, and signed up for active duty.”
Wynne later stated that the beginning of his military service was rough, due to adapting to the culture. Because of his mentors and supervisors during his early time in service, Wynne shaped-up, not only to become a better Airman, but to become a potential leader of tomorrow. Having excelled in his trade as an aircraft maintainer, he was thankful that he listened to his high school teacher and fully realized his potential serving under the U.S. Air Force.
“I had an awesome time working as an aircraft maintainer,” said Wynne. “I have been traveling all around the world in such places like Norway, England, Romania, Bulgaria, Africa, Japan, Germany, and other countries. During my traveling experiences, I managed to build friendships and camaraderie while on the job, which is timeless, in my opinion.”
As much as he enjoys his time in the military, Wynne stated that he has faced certain challenges, such as maintaining his marriage and passion for his career. On the contrary, he managed to overcome these challenges, which led him to such proud achievements as being awarded First Sergeant of the Year from the U.S. Air Force Space Command, being selected for command chief twice, and still married to his high school sweetheart.
As his first time being stationed on Joint Base MDL, Wynne discussed what he likes about this base.
“I definitely love the location, and the camaraderie of various military installations working together to complete countless mission objectives, in a safe and efficient manner,” said Wynne. “I am impressed with Joint Base MDL, as a tri-service joint base, displaying determination in completing such mission tasks at hand, while eliminating any potential threat or harm that may endanger the safety and security of the community.”
In conclusion, Wynne encourages the Joint Base MDL community to be open-minded and not to be afraid to ask him any questions. He wants to continue the familial relationship with the community that keeps the base alive and strong.
Wynne concluded, “Do not be afraid to come say hello when you see me out and about.”