Commander, Air Armament center
Retrofit - Service

Major General Michael C. Kostelnik was born May 15, 1946 in Harlingen, Texas. He was a commander, Air Armament Center, Air Force Material Command, with headquarters at Elgin Air Force Base. The center is responsive for development, acquisition, testing, deployment and sustainment of all air-delivered weapons. Additionally, AAC plans, directs and conducts test and evaluation of U.S. and allied air armament, navigation and guidance systems, and air command and control systems.

The center operates two Air Force installations, providing host support to both Elgin and Kirtland Air Force Bases and supports the largest single bade mobility in the Air Force. He was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program in 1969 and entered active duty in 1970. As a command pilot he had logged 3000-plus flying hours in more than 40 aircraft types.

He has served as a test pilot and test squadron operations officer conducting development flight tests on various weapon systems. He was the Air Staff requirements officer for the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night system and the program element monitor for the F-15E and F-22.

He later served as the commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School. A certified acquisition professional, he has served as deputy director of the F-16 Systems Program Office and as program director for the Short-Range Attack Missile II, the Short-Range Attack Missile- Tactical, and the Aircraft Systems Program Office.

He also served as vice-commander of the Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center, and later, of Air Force Materiel Command.

His medals include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (Two Oak Leaf Clusters), and Air Force Commendation Medal (One Oak Leaf Cluster).

He retired from the military January 1, 2002.