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MSgt Christian MacKenzie, USAF & SOCOM
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MSgt Christian MacKenzie, USAF & SOCOM

MASTER SERGEANT CHRISTIAN S. MACKENZIE

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

 

On April 12, 2004, while conducting missions in Fallujah, Iraq, Master Sergeant (MSgt) MacKenzie was critically wounded when a rocket propelled grenade struck the cockpit of his helicopter in flight. He suffered severe facial trauma, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and the destruction of one eye. He spent 16 months in and out of the hospital, numerous surgeries, and, consequently, painful rehabilitation experiences.

On August 25, 2005 MSgt MacKenzie won the battle to recover and was returned to full active duty, and re-instated as an Enlisted Aviator. While undergoing treatment and rehab, from 2004-2005 he served as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) Helicopter Operations, Air Force Special Operations Command, Special Operations Liaison Element, and NCOIC Training for the Special Operations Forces Air Operations Center, from 2005 until 2006. MSgt MacKenzie was then assigned to 1st Airlift Squadron, Andrews AFB, MD as a Flight Attendant supporting the Vice President, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Commander US Central Command, and numerous other missions.

MSgt MacKenzie was called upon to be an Air Force Family Liaison Officer for a critically wounded airman at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Through his tenacity and compassion for caring for the family and service member he received recognition from the US Special Operations Command casualty assistance liaison chief.

In September 2007, MSgt MacKenzie was selected by the Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, for a full time position with the US Special Operations Command Care Coalition as a liaison for the wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Forces and their families in the National Capital Region. In April 2010, MSgt MacKenzie was assigned to HQ USSOCOM Care Coalition as a liaison for the critically wounded TBI and SCI patients at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center. Currently, he serves as Superintendent, Community Outreach, managing benevolent resourcing, wellness events, and transition/ reintegration initiatives for Special Operations Wounded, Ill, and injured warriors. MSgt MacKenzie is the recipient of numerous military awards.