In this article, The AFIT Foundation is recognizing Colonel (Ret.) Michael Heil, Independent Aerospace and Defense Consultant.

Col. Heil received his PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology in 1986. He was raised as an Air Force brat in a military family, and desired to give back to his country through innovative and high-tech military service. Col. Heil served as the Commandant of AFIT from 2001 to 2003 before retiring from Air Force active duty in 2005. He also had the opportunity to serve as the Director of the Center for Space Studies and Research at AFIT from 2005 to 2007. Col. Heil currently engages in aerospace and defense consulting and volunteer service and is the President of the Ohio Aerospace Institute. He serves on aerospace advisory boards at the University of Cincinnati and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and on the boards of The Cleveland Engineering Society, National Aviation Heritage Area, The Aerospace States Association, and The AFIT Foundation.

Col. Heil’s AFIT education was invaluable to his professional career and his research experience was extremely rewarding. Most of all, the lifelong friendships, and connections he made with fellow AFIT students, faculty, and staff enriched his life and made his AFIT experience incredibly special. A fond memory Col. Heil has from his time at AFIT was receiving his doctoral degree at graduation in the Air Force Museum with AFIT’s first honorary graduate, retired Senator and Air Force General Barry Goldwater.

When asked about what he would say to those entering the military, Col. Heil writes, “Anyone entering the military should be prepared to work hard, be disciplined, and adhere to the fundamental military values of duty, honor, country.” Thank you, Colonel Heil!