Veteran’s Day Thanks | Portrait

For Veteran’s Day I decided to give a session to someone very special. Meet Senior Master Sergeant Michael Hood.

Michael is my former boss at my day job. When my husband was in the service and overseas he was very understanding to military timelines. Sometimes I would only have a few days notice when he was coming home. This kind of schedule is difficult to have in my day job when I was a production artist. Michael was an awesome boss and didn’t make me feel guilty for being off or taking a phone call when I only saw Josh 2-3 times a year and heard from him once or twice a month.

Michael retired from the Ohio Air National Guard / Air Force Reserve in October of 2006 after almost 28 years of service. He had never had a professional portrait made in his uniform for his retirement. It was a great honor to offer him this session as a thank you for being a Vetran. We met at Walbridge Park one day after Vetran’s day to celebrate.

Mike’s career duty assignments are quite impressive.

First Sergeant for the 180th Civil Engineering Squadron, Swanton Ohio.

First Sergeant for the 179th Aerial Port Squadron, Mansfield Ohio.

First Sergeant for the 164th Airlift Squadron, Mansfield.

NCOIC Air Transportation for the 179 Aerial Port Squadron, Mansfield.

NCOIC Aerial Delivery Section for the 179 Aerial Port Squadron, Mansfield.

He also has a long list of awards and citations; The Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbon, Air Force Small Arms Marksman Ribbon, Air Force Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Ohio First Sergeants Ribbon, Ohio Commendation Medal, Ohio faithful Service ribbon, Ohio Award of Merit Ribbon, Ohio Basic Military Training Ribbon, Air Force Senior Transportation Badge, and Army Parachute Rigger Badge.

To view all of Mike’s photos visit his GALLERY.

I really like these two.

Very impressive!

Thank you Mike for your many years of service and your friendship.