Mr. Michael R. Ambriz is the Chief of Protocol for Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Mr. Ambriz advises the Commander and staff on military customs and courtesies, implemented protocol policy and procedural guidance for the Air Force concerning proper protocol requirements for precedence; honors; ceremonies; flags; dinners and socials; visiting dignitaries; conferences; official meetings; and briefings regarding the Air Force component to United States Southern Command. He provides guidance for all Distinguished Visitors visiting the headquarters, to include main and forward operating locations with senior military visitors from the United States and partner nations from the Caribbean, Central and South America, as well as, four-star level and above officials, senior civilian dignitaries, members of Congress, Congressional staff delegates, distinguished members of state and local governments and Civic Leaders from all branches of United States and partner nations.
Prior to his retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Ambriz worked as the Protocol Superintendent for Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern). He entered the Air Force in 2001 as a Security Forces Trainee at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Mr. Ambriz has served in many positions from squadron through Numbered Air Force levels. When he was active duty, Mr. Ambriz deployed in support of Operations, IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOMS SENTINEL and RESOLUTE SUPPORT.
EDUCATION
2016 Criminal Justice Degree, Community College of the Air Force
2018 Professional Managers Certificate, Community College of the Air Force
2018 Protocol Fundamentals Course, Maxwell AFB, AL
ASSIGNMENTS
1. September 2001 – December 2001, Security Forces Apprentice Course, Lackland AFB, TX
2. January 2002 – May 2006, Flight Security Controller, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, WY
3. May 2006 – May 2007, Area Supervisor, 51st Security Forces Squadron, Osan AB, Korea
4. June 2007 – October 2012, NCOIC, Commander’s Support Staff, 30th Security Forces Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, CA
5. October 2012 – June 2013, NCOIC, Wing Protocol, 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB, CA
6. June 2013 – January 2014, Enlisted Aide to the Commander, 9th Air Force, Shaw AFB, SC
7. February 2014 – January 2016, Assistant Flight Chief, 20th Security Force Squadron, Shaw AFB, SC
8. January 2016 – December 2016, NCOIC, Plans, 20th Security Forces Squadron, Shaw AFB, SC
9. December 2016 – October 2018, NCOIC, Physical Security, 20th Security Forces Squadron, Shaw AFB, SC
10. October 2018 – Jul 2021, Superintendent, Protocol, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
11. August 2021 – June 2023, Deputy Chief of Protocol, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
12. June 2023 – Present, Chief of Protocol, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 2008 – July 2008, Security Response Team Leader, 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Balad AB, Iraq, as a Staff Sergeant
2. July 2011 – December 2011, Area Supervisor, 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, Shindand AB, Afghanistan, as a Staff Sergeant
3. April 2017 – November 2017, NCOIC, Security Forces Plans and Programs Section, 451st Expeditionary Support Squadron, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, as a Technical Sergeant
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with 'C' device
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal
Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf clusters
AF Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
AF Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two stars
Iraq Campaign Medal with one star
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with 'N' Device
(Current as of June 18, 2023)