MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Senior Airman Michael Sanchez is a passenger services agent with the 25th Aerial Port Squadron. As a PAX agent, Sanchez is responsible for the coordination of passengers on our aircraft. Sanchez has been with the 908th since October of 2020 although his military service began with the Army in 2004.
When Sanchez was 12 years old, his older brother joined the army at the age of 17. As soon as he was old enough, Sanchez followed in his brother’s footsteps. Through high school, Sanchez was active in the Civil Air Patrol and was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York but chose instead to enlist in the infantry.
“This was July 2004,” said Sanchez. “Bombs were still dropping, people were still kicking doors in. I felt like I had to be out there with them.”
Sanchez joined the renowned 82nd Airborne Division where he served until transitioning to the Georgia National Guard. After a break in service, Sanchez wanted to get back into military life and re-enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, finally ending up here at the 908th.
“I’m extremely grateful to be here,” said Sanchez. “I get to restart my career, it’s an honor.”
Soon after his arrival, Sanchez quickly got to work on that new career, completing his 90 day seasoning training and attaining the next skill level in his job field. Sanchez also completed not only the Airman Leadership School but went a step further and preemptively graduated from the Noncommissioned Officer Academy.
Sanchez is a Reserve Citizen Airman with a diverse background which has given him the tools to be driven and motivated throughout his career. He has brought these tools with him to the 908th and implements them in his service, helping the wing achieve its mission and continuing to drive the Air Force Reserve into the future.