Elmendorf major named to top 40 under 40

  • Published
  • By Airman David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  One Arctic Warrior was recognized Nov. 6 as one of the top young professionals in Alaska.

Maj. Michael Hunsberger was named the only military recipient of Alaska's Top 40 Under 40.

These annual awards are presented by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Journal of Commerce.

Major Hunsberger, assigned to the 3rd Communications Squadron, was recognized for his professional excellence and commitment to his local community.

As the Director of Operations for the 3rd Communications Squadron, Major Hunsberger is responsible for day-to-day management of a 330 person unit providing communications support of systems valued at over $130 million, including telephone, computer networks, and air traffic control and landing systems for over 10,000 Elmendorf customers.

"He is a loyal, savvy and very personable officer who really synchronizes our daily squadron operations," said Lt. Col. Daniel Elmore, the 3rd Communications Squadron commander.

In 2005, Major Hunsberger led the base support preparation for President Bush's visit to Elmendorf.

While deployed to Thailand, he supported the delivery of two million pounds of relief supplies to 250 locations in three countries. Major Hunsberger organized the redeployment of 1200 US personnel in six countries.

He was handpicked to augment the Air Force Crisis Action Team at the Pentagon immediately following Sept. 11 and during the initial phase of operations in Afghanistan.

For the second year in a row, this award was received by an officer of this squadron.
"I think it's a testament to the work we do here at the 3rd Communications Squadron and also the people that we have working in the squadron because it's definitely not just my accomplishments, it's the whole squadron's," said Major Hunsberger.
"While the award is a great honor, I am most proud of the actual work behind the accomplishments," he said.