Army National Guard Major Michael Audette, Iraq veteran and Rexford resident, makes "final flight"

LATHAM, NY (11/15/2017) New York Army National Guard Maj. Michael Audette, an Army aviator capped his 23-year career on Wednesday, November 1, with a traditional military "final flight" in which he was greeted on return with a salute from airport fire trucks and a line of well-wishers congratulating him.

Audette earned his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army from the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Army ROTC program in May 2000.

Following the Armor Officer Basic Course and Scout Leader Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Audette served with the 1st Cavalry Regiment in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. In 2002, he was reassigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona where he served as a Flight Platoon Leader.

In 2004 Audette joined the New York Army National Guard and currently serves full time as the assistant operations officer for the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

He has served as the Intelligence Officer in the 3-142d Assault Helicopter Battalion, the 42d Combat Aviation Brigade, Logistics Officer and the 42d Combat Aviation Brigade and Division Secretary of the General Staff.

In 2008, Audette deployed to Iraq for a combat tour with the Headquarters Company, 3-142d Assault Helicopter Battalion as assistant operations officer and in 2013, Audette deployed again to Kuwait, as the 42d Combat Aviation Brigade logistics officer.

Audette is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course, Scout Leader Course, and Aviation Captains Career Course. Audette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He also has a Master of Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY.

Audette's awards and decorations include; Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Serve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Senior Aviator Wings, Army Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and US Cavalry Spur Holder.

Major Audette is married to his wife Jennifer and has two sons, Gabriel and Samuel.