Major General Michael Akey retired as the Chief of Staff and Joint Force Headquarters Commander of the Massachusetts National Guard. His command included over 8000 soldiers and airman.

General Akey enlisted in the USAF in December 1975 and served as a Security Policemen. In September 1979 he transferred to the 104th Fighter Wing, Westfield Massachusetts under the Palace Chase program. While assigned to the 104th, he completed his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Massachusetts.

General Akey was commissioned through Officer Training School in June 1980. He attended Navigator and Electronic Warfare training at Mather AFB, California. His initial operational assignment was in the F4G Advanced “Wild Weasel”. While assigned to the 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron he upgraded to Instructor Electronic Warfare Officer and held various positions in weapons & tactics as well as test & evaluation. In 1986 he left the active duty Air Force and joined the 104th Fighter Wing, Westfield, Massachusetts.

He attended Pilot Training at Columbus AFB, Mississippi where he was a Distinguished Graduate and the Flying Training award recipient. After reassignment back to the 104th he held various positions as both a traditional guardsman and full-time air technician flying the A10A. While assigned to the 104th he was the Chief of Scheduling, Chief of Standardization/Evaluation, Flight Commander, Operations Support Flight Commander, Operations Group Commander and Director of Operations. In August 2004 he was appointed Commander of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

NOTABLE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/1 device Aerial Achievement Medal w/1 device, Air Force Commendation Medal w/4 devices
Army Commendation Medal

He recently retired from his civilian airline career with United Airlines after 25 years. His ratings include the 757, 767, 777 and 747. Overwater and Polar Flight operations were conducted worldwide in Asia, South America, Middle East, India, Hawaii and Europe.