Team March Spotlight: Senior Airman Michael Clothier Published March 8, 2019 By Capt. Jessica Gross 452 AMW Public Affairs March Air Reserve Base, Calif. -- March Air Reserve Base, Calif. - - Joining the Air Force Reserve had been a long-time goal for Senior Airman Michael Clothier, a Special Handling Representative, assigned to the 50th Aerial Port Squadron here at March ARB. “I always had this passion and desire to serve,” said Clothier, who is also a native of New Zealand. “When I came to the US 3 years ago, I found myself in a position to finally serve and I wanted to take the opportunity since it was available to me.” Due to his outstanding performance and dedication to service, Clothier was recently selected as Airman of the Quarter for the 452nd Air Mobility Wing. “I was surprised that I won and I was humbled,” said Clothier in reference to his initial reaction when he found out he would be honored. In addition to serving as a reserve citizen airman, Clothier is employed by Northrop Grumman as an Enterprise Services Program Manager for Manufacturing and Logistics Systems, Aerospace Division. “I oversee computer systems that control and operate within the manufacturing floor across multiple platforms,” said Clothier when expanding upon his assigned duties at Northrop. “I am fortunate to recently receive a promotion to this position within the last few weeks and at such a senior level.” To prepare him for his role at Northrop, Clothier earned a master of business administration from the University of New South Wales in Australian. Clothier is also enrolled in a doctoral program, offered through Walden University and focused on information technology. Clothier explains that his service between his civilian and his reserve positions comes full circle to give him purpose. “Northrop builds aircrafts for the Air Force,” says Clothier. “Being part of the Air Force Reserve I understand what my mission at Northrop really means since I am the end customer.” “I am the customer and the supplier,” said Clothier “I understand the need for quality and efficiency, which drives me to push myself to do well in my civilian job.” As he displays a sense of pride towards both his military and civilian carriers, Clothier reflects on the gratification for serving as a reserve citizen airman. “My service is rewarding, I feel that I am contributing to the greater good and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”