One of Fort Rucker's own was honored during a ceremony at Louisiana State University recognizing outstanding alumni and partners at the Cook Conference Center in Baton Rouge, La. March 14.
Lt. Col. Michael C. Shaw, who is currently enrolled in the AH-64E Instructor Pilot Course here, was among an elite group of alumni named to the university's College of Human Sciences and Education 2019 Hall of Distinction.
The annual event "recognizes and celebrates honorees for the significant contributions they have made to (Louisiana State University) and the extended community," according to a university news release.
"Recipients exemplify the mission of (the College of Human Sciences and Education) to address complex human issues and policy decisions facing Louisiana and the nation through their gifts, talents and time," the release stated.
Shaw, who previously served as the deputy director of the USAACE G-5 where he focused on force restructure and other major Aviation branch initiatives, completed his post-baccalaureate education at LSU, including a Master's of Science and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Resource Management and Leader Development.
He also previously served as an assistant professor of military science at LSU in the ROTC program.
Shaw's most recent assignment before returning to Fort Rucker was the Integration Officer for DAMO-AV, Army G-3/5/7, Washington, D.C.
He has served in a number of command and staff positions during his career, including as an attack helicopter platoon leader and distribution platoon leader with 2-6 Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas and Illesheim, Germany. He served as assistant operations officer and attack helicopter company commander in 4-4 Aviation Regiment at Fort Hood. He also served as battalion executive officer and operations officer for 3-159th Aviation Regiment at Illesheim, Germany.
His deployments include in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield (Kuwait), and Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq).
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal with Numeral 3.
According to Col. Geoffrey A. Crawford, director of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence G-5 office, the strength of the nation is found in its Soldiers.
"Lt. Col. Shaw represents our best and brightest and reinforces that our Soldiers are our greatest asset. The recognition honoring him as a member of LSU's College of Human Sciences and Education Hall of Distinction speaks volumes about the quality of officer and leader he is.
"We are very proud of Lt. Col. Shaw not only for his accomplishments as a military leader and his academic success, but also for his efforts to build the relationship between our military and our academic institutions in the process," said Crawford.
Shaw said he felt humbled to be accepted into the college's Hall of Distinction. He credited the influences of his wife and family, friends, educators and other servicemembers.
"The older I have become, the more apparent it is that my successes are nothing but the sums of the efforts of the exceptional people that surround me.…
"To the Soldiers, Noncommissioned Officers, and Warrant Officers: Specialists Green and Binder, retired First Sergeants Smith and Hagan, Command Sergeant Major Linder, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rocky Phillips and retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Ron Niles, they have shaped me throughout my career and to this day continue to sharpen me into becoming the best officer possible," Shaw said.
He thanked university members who "challenged a Soldier to become an academic," and also credited his peers who provide insight and serve as a sounding board for ideas.
Shaw's next assignment is commander of 1-14th Aviation Regiment, 110th Aviation Brigade, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence here.
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