CELINA-Micheal Boles, who currently serves as vice mayor and alderman here in his hometown, was recently promoted to colonel by the U.S. Air National Guard.

Boles credits his small-town roots for shaping his commitment to service, resilience, and leadership.

Colonel Boles is the Commander of the 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in New Castle, Delaware, where he leads a highly-skilled team of professionals responsible for executing global aeromedical evacuation missions in support of joint and coalition operations.

A seasoned flight nurse and combat veteran, Boles has deployed to various austere environments worldwide, supporting both contingency and humanitarian missions.

Boles began his military career in 1984 as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy assigned to the Fleet Marine Force at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Following nearly a decade of Navy service, he transitioned to the Air National Guard in 2004, continuing his service as a flight nurse and leader in the Aeromedical Evacuation community.

Boles career has spanned both the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, with assignments at the unit, staff, and command levels—including multiple overseas deployments.

He has amassed more than 1,500 flying hours aboard the C-130, KC-135, and C-17 aircraft.

Boles continues to reside here with his wife of more than 45 years, Norma, with whom he has two children and five grandchildren.