James “Rusty” Mitchell is the Director, Community Initiatives Team, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. As the liaison between the base and surrounding communities, he coordinates dialogue and interaction to facilitate compatible growth in areas that impact Luke Air Force Base. His daily engagement with nine municipalities, Maricopa County, and the State of Arizona has profoundly advanced the ability of the base to coexist with its neighbors.
Mr. Mitchell served twenty-two years in the Air Force flying fighters from Europe to the Far East, retiring in 1998 as a lieutenant colonel. His career culminated as the 21st Fighter Squadron Commander at Luke AFB, where he was intimately involved in all areas of flight operations and issues involving the mission of Luke AFB. This, coupled with being a Valley resident for more than 10 years, makes him uniquely qualified to address issues surrounding the base and the community in regards to growth, development and compatible coexistence. Mr. Mitchell frequently speaks at Community Council meetings explaining Luke’s present and future mission requirements. This proactive involvement not only promotes compatibility between the base and nearby communities, but also enhances their mutual viability. Such a positive relationship is critical to the long-term mission viability of Luke Air Force Base.
EDUCATION
1976 Bachelor’s degree in history, University of Southern California
1980 Distinguished graduate, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 1986 Master’s degree in management, Webster University 1991 Distinguished graduate, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 1994 Air War College, by seminar
ASSIGNMENTS
1. 1977 – 1978, student, undergraduate pilot training, Williams AFB, Ariz.
2. 1978 – 1981, A-10 squadron pilot, Royal Air Force Bentwaters, England
3. 1981 – 1984, A-10 instructor pilot, Davis Monthan AFB, Ariz.
4. 1984 – 1986, air liaison officer, 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson Army Installation, Colo.
5. 1986 – 1989, F-16 instructor pilot, Hill AFB, Utah
6. 1989 – 1989, staff officer, Current Operations, 7th Air Force, Osan Air Base, South Korea
7. 1989 – 1990, aide-de-camp to the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Forces Korea, Yongsan AB, South Korea
8. 1990 – 1991, student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
9. 1991 – 1993, Chief, Theater Warfare Branch, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
10. 1993 – 1994, F-16 operations officer, Kunsan AB, South Korea
11. 1994 – 1995, F-16 operations officer, Luke AFB, Ariz.
12. 1995 – 1998, Commander, 21st Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.
13. 1998 – present, pilot, United Airlines, Los Angeles, Calif.
14. 2003 – present, Director, Community Initiatives Team, Luke AFB, Ariz.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Well Done Award
USAFE Well Done Award
AETC Team Excellence Award
Best of the West Award Winner
Valley Peaks Regional Community Partnership Award
Sullivan Award for Outstanding Federal Employee in AETC
Air Force Best Practice Award
AETC Best Practice Award
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
2004 – present Board of Directors, Valley Partnership
2007 – present Board of Directors, KAET Community Advisory Council
(Current as of Dec 2009)
