In this article, The AFIT Foundation is recognizing Mitchell Kieffer (Captain, USAF [Ret.]), Purple Heart Recipient and CEO of Business Leaders Quick Reaction Force!

Captain Kieffer received his M.S. in Operations Research/Data Science from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in 2013 and graduated with honors. When asked about why he wanted to join the military, Captain Kieffer responded, “I don’t like bullies. And many people can’t defend themselves. I wanted to join the military to defend them from any bullying. To save lives and improve their quality of life.”

Captain Kieffer is medically retired with 100% disability rating from the USAF and VA due to being wounded in action in Iraq in 2011. He has recently been hand-picked by Tim Brown (Hall of Fame Wide Receiver & Heisman Trophy Winner from Notre Dame) to be a leader in his ‘Stars Helping Heroes” Program. He is also the founder of the consulting company Business Leaders Quick Reaction Force LLC.

A favorite memory Captain Kieffer has from AFIT was winning the ‘Ultimate Champion’ Award (first USAF recipient) from the 2013 Warrior Games at the Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, CO. He went on to repeat as the winner again in 2014.

AFIT gave Captain Kieffer the mental workouts day in and day out to be able to respond and recover from his Traumatic Brain Injury which he received in Iraq due to an Explosively Formed Penetrating IED that blew through his vehicle. Prior to starting classes, it took him 7 hours to do simple assignments. As time went on, with more and more ‘mental workouts’, he was able to finish his degree holding a 3.7 GPA and could finish assignments in about 1.5 hours! AFIT was a major part of his rehabilitation.

Captain Kieffer’s advice to those who are considering entering the military is to know your “why.” He says, “Even with a Purple Heart, I do not feel like the military “owes” me anything. It’s a privilege to serve your country and be given such considerable amounts of responsibility often very early in your career. You are blessed being able to serve others that may not be able to help themselves and keep America safe.” Thank you, Captain Kieffer!