Background
Kostelnik, Michael Charles was born on May 15, 1946 in Harlingen, Texas, United States. Son of Michael and Nita Louise (Alexander) Kostelnik.
Kostelnik, Michael Charles was born on May 15, 1946 in Harlingen, Texas, United States. Son of Michael and Nita Louise (Alexander) Kostelnik.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1969. Master of Science in Industrial and Management Engineering, University Iowa, 1970. Graduate, United States Air Force Test Pilot School, 1977.
Post graduate, University Florida, 1980. Graduate, National Defense University, 1981. Graduate, United States Air Force Instrument Pilot Instructors School.
Graduate, Industrial College of Armed Forces, 1986. Graduate, Defense Systems Management College, 1989. Graduate senior executive development progressive, University New Hampshire, 1993.
Graduate, Syracuse University, 1996.
Commissioned 2nd lieutenant United States Air Force, 1969, advanced through grades to major general, 1994. Pilot trainee Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, 1970-1971. With 18th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, 1971-1972.
Aircraft Commander, instructor pilot, wing flight examiner 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Alconbury, England, 1972-1975. Center test project pilot 4485th Test Squadron, Tactical Air Warfare Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, 1975-1976. Squadron operations officer 3246th Test Wing, 1977-1981.
Tactical fighter requirements officer Office Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Acquisition, Washington District of Columbia, 1981-1985. Director combined test forces Edwards Air Force Base, California, 1986-1987. Commandant United States Air Force Test Pilot School, 1987-1989.
Deputy progressive director F-16 Systems Progressive Office, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 1989-1991. Progressive director Short Range Attack Missile II, Scott Ray and Sam-Tactical Systems Program Office Aeronautical Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command, 1991-1992. First Systems Progressive director, Aircraft Systems Program Office Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Material Command, 1992-1993.
Vice Commander Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, 1993-1994. Director special programs Office Under Secretary of Defense, The Pentagon, Washington District of Columbia, 1994-1995. Director plans Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 1995—1997.
Vice Commander Air Force Materiel Command, Wright Paterson Air Force Base, 1997—1998, Commander Air Force Development Test Center Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, 1998—1999, Commander Air Armament Center, 1999—2002. Deputy associate administrator for space shuttle and international space station Headquarters National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington District of Columbia, 2002—2005. Assistant commissioner United States Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Department Homeland Security, since 2005.
Member National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Outstanding Leadership award 2003, 2005), Society Experimental Test Pilots (section chairman), Order of Daedalions.
Married Barbara Lynn Brychta, December 23, 1966. 1 child, Khristine Lynn Kostelnik Carlson.