For Amber Waves of Grain!

By Tom Flavin

Michael Rutledge hails from Bettendorf, Iowa, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1990. He served for three years as a helicopter rescue swimmer, deploying to Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. In 1993, he applied for Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California, and spent the next decade as a Navy SEAL. While serving with SEAL Team ONE, he completed three contingency deployments as an M-60 machine gunner, air operations specialist, and advanced training instructor.

In 2002, after returning from the initial assaults in Afghanistan, Michael transferred from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Army to become a helicopter pilot, receiving a direct assignment to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His roles included MH-47G Assault/Instructor Pilot, Developmental Test Pilot, and Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner. During his time with the 160th, he completed an additional 16 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including several high-profile hostage rescues and leading an element during an assault to capture the world’s most-wanted terrorist.

After 14 years of continuous combat operations, Michael assumed command of the Executive Flight Detachment and Aviation Department at the United States Military Academy at West Point. As commander, he flew the Commanding General, visiting dignitaries, heads of state, and a U.S. president. Michael is rated in six Army helicopters and multiple military airplanes.

In May 2019, CW4 Rutledge retired after 30 years of active duty and began his next chapter as an aerial applicator. In 2021, he took a step further and founded Rutledge Airborne Applications, providing nationwide aerial firefighting using Single Engine Air Tankers. He also recently acquired Sarita Custom Farm Service, the largest aerial application company in Arizona.

Michael’s passion for aviation extends beyond work. He is an active Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and vintage aircraft instructor. His hangar includes a J-3 Cub, 1957 Super Cub, 1942 Stearman, 1943 North American SNJ-4, and a 1942 Grumman FM2 Wildcat. Michael flies the FM2 Wildcat alongside modern U.S. Navy F-18 and F-35 fighters as part of the Navy Legacy Flight Demonstration Team.

Michael and his wife of 30 years, Dena, reside in Casa Grande, Arizona. They have two sons: Joshua (24), U.S. Army, based at Fort Carson, Colorado, and Matthew (20), a student at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.