GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. – Tyler McKay, a civilian staff member with the Military & Family Readiness Center at Grissom Air Reserve Base, recently took a major step in his Army career. After 10 years of military service, McKay was pinned as a warrant officer in the Army National Guard, paving the way for him to attend flight school this November where he will train to become a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot.
While McKay serves on the Army side, his day job at Grissom connects him to the Air Force community—bringing unique cross-branch perspectives that strengthen the total force family.
“I’ve done active duty, the Army Reserve, and now I’m in the Army National Guard,” McKay said. “Each component brought something different, but what’s been consistent is that sense of purpose. I’m always looking for ways to grow and give back.”
McKay's background is just as diverse as his service. He began his military career in behavioral health, helping service members manage mental wellness. After years of working in medical environments and completing a degree in business with a concentration in accounting, McKay found himself buried in reports and presentations. Craving something more hands-on and impactful, he pivoted.
“I was originally pursuing Officer Candidate School, but someone mentioned the warrant officer path,” McKay said. “It just felt like a better fit for my personality—focused, professional, but chill when it needs to be. I like to get the job done.”
That job will soon involve flying one of the military’s most versatile aircraft, the Black Hawk helicopter. McKay leaves for flight training at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) in Alabama, where he’ll undergo approximately 18 months of instruction across five phases, including Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) and advanced airframe training.
While the Army offers excitement and career growth, McKay finds fulfillment in his civilian role supporting the military community through Grissom’s Family Readiness Program.
“I started working here in April 2023,” he said. “Honestly, I was looking for scholarships for my wife, who’s in a nursing program, and ended up talking to the program manager. Next thing I knew, I applied, got the job, and I love it.”
The Family Readiness mission goes beyond organizing morale events like holiday parties or Santa fly-ins. McKay emphasized that while the team works hard to make those events joyful and memorable, the work also includes serious, life-changing support.
“Just this morning, I was helping a member on base facing homelessness,” he said. “People don’t always realize the range of resources we manage—from emergency assistance to spousal support and transition resources. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes.”
McKay draws a parallel between his military service and his civilian role.
“When I’m in uniform, I know what these folks are going through. When I’m on the civilian side, I can help from another angle. It’s a full-circle mission for me.”
Family readiness staff at Grissom are also known for their creativity and community spirit. McKay helped coordinate events like Santa’s arrival via KC-135 aircraft, something kids still talk about long after the holidays. “We’ve even got a ‘Capt. Claus’ with OCP-stitched Santa gear,” he laughed.
Through all of life’s changes—balancing fatherhood, military duties, and civilian service—McKay maintains a grounded outlook. He and his wife of eight years are raising two young children and preparing for a temporary move to Alabama while he completes flight school.
Looking ahead, McKay offers advice for those considering the path he’s taken.
“Being in the Army is a tight-knit community. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re the type that wants to specialize, lead, and still have a huge impact, it’s worth it,” he said. “And whether it’s the Army, Air Force, or civilian world—just say yes to new things. Stay resilient and enjoy the ride.”
As he prepares to take flight, McKay remains firmly grounded in his mission to serve—on and off the flight line.
For more information about the Family Readiness Program at Grissom ARB, contact the Military & Family Readiness.
Editor’s Note: Warrant Officer 1 Tyler McKay currently serves in an assault helicopter company with the Indiana Army National Guard. He is slated to begin Warrant Officer Flight School at Fort Novosel in November 2025.
| Date Taken: | 08.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2025 10:57 |
| Story ID: | 545522 |
| Location: | GRISSOM AIR FORCE BASE, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, New Path of Service - From Air Force Civil Service to Army Military Service, by MSgt Wendy Day, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
