Biography - Michael W Thornal

Mike Thornal is currently the acting Deputy Director for the Air Forces Northern National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate (AFNSEP) and served in his reserve capacity as the IMA to the Deputy Director. He advised the deputy director on reserve issues. AFNSEP plans, programs, and facilitates Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) for emergencies and disasters.

Colonel Thornal received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Florida State University in June 1981. After completing Undergraduate Navigator training at Mather Air Force Base, CA in 1982, he attended F-111A RTU at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID. His next assignment was with the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron at RAF Upper Heyford, United Kingdom where he was a Weapons System Officer and Instructor Weapons System Officer in the F-111E. He joined the Air Force Reserve in 1987 and became a Fire Control Officer in the AC-130A Gunship stationed at Duke Field, FL. During this assignment, he flew 13 special operations combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. He also served as Executive Officer to both the 919th Operations Group commander and the 919th Special Operations Wing (SOW) commander. Mobilized after 9-11, he served as the Battlestaff Director for the 919 SOW for two years. His last assignment prior to AFNSEP was as the Inspector General for the 919 SOW. He served as the State of Florida Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO) assigned to the state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, FL. He has also served as IMA to the Director, Director of Operations, Chief of Operations, and as Deputy Director with AFNSEP. He retired from the USAF Reserve effective July 1, 2011.

Prior to this civilian assignment, Mr. Thornal worked for the State of Florida in the Department of Transportation and in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He also consulted with ScanTech on homeland security issues related to airport and seaport security.

EDUCATION
1981 BS, Management, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
1986 MBA, Fairleigh-Dickinson University, RAF Upper Heyford, United Kingdom.
1991 Squadron Officers School, Maxwell AFB, AL.
1995 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL.
2003 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL.
2005 Certified Public Manager, State of Florida