Bolado brings community together, honored as Airlifter of the Week

Story and photo by
Airman 1st Class Milton Hamilton
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Michael “Mike” Bolado, 86th Force Support Squadron, director of Arts and Crafts Center, shakes hands with Scott C. Lockard, 86th Airlift Wing vice director, and Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 86th AW command chief, after being selected as the Airlifter of the Week Feb. 7 on Ramstein Air Base. The Airlifter of the Week program recognizes Ramstein Airmen who are devoted to making the 86th AW the World’s Best Wing.

A civilian from the 86th Force Support Squadron was selected to be the Airlifter of Week Feb. 7, on Ramstein Air Base.

Mr. Scott C. Lockard, 86th Airlift Wing vice director, and Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 86th AW command chief, coined Michael “Mike” Bolado, 86th FSS, director of Arts and Crafts Center, for his exceptional performance and astounding contributions to the wing.

Bolado has been the main organizer of several high-profile events that have been held on Ramstein.

Bolado coordinated the U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s largest Freedom Fest in which approximately 21,000 people attended, resulting in approximately $200,000 in sales.

Bolado also engineered the set-up of the 2018 Ramstein Bazaar. The event brought together approximately 29 private organizations, 20,000 attendees and 128 vendors, creating approximately 2 million dollars in profit.

Bolado said it’s an honor for him to be selected as the Airlifter of the Week.

“It took a whole team to put all these events together, to put me where I’m at,” said Bolado. “I have a great team that supports me, and my leadership noticed because we’ve been very successful.”

Bolado wears many hats within the 86th FSS. In addition to overseeing many large-scale events, he’s responsible for directing operations at the 86th FSS Auto Hobby Shop.

Bolado’s attention to detail and business savvy at the Auto Hobby and Arts and Crafts stores, resulted in an increase in net profit of approximately $91,000.

Bolado has worked on Ramstein for 19 years and continues to embody “Service Before Self.”

“Not everyone gets the opportunity to have the responsibilities I have. It’s an honor,” said Bolado. “It’s an amazing feeling when you see 20,000 people enjoying an event you put together.”

The Airlifter of the Week program recognizes Ramstein Airmen who are devoted to making the 86th AW the “World’s Best Wing.”