Ambrosia “acting” on desire to serve in the Missouri National Guards

  • Published
  • By Michelle Key
  • Missouri National Guard
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Missouri Army National Guard Soldiers are often referred to as Citizen-Soldiers, but for one Guardsman, he prefers actor-pilot. 1st Lt. Michael Ambrosia of Kirksville, Mo. is an accomplished actor who spends one weekend a month flying helicopters for the Guard.

While attending Truman State University, he was asked to play the principal role in a local commercial. After starring in "Just Java," Ambrosia knew he wanted to pursue acting.

"Working on that commercial really got my acting bug going," he said. "I knew I wanted to go to California."

Ambrosia went inactive from the Missouri Guard for one year to pursue acting in Burbank, Calif. While in California; he was a featured extra cast member on "Jericho," "The Office," and "24." Before leaving his acting career to return to the Guard, Ambrosia was also a principal participant for the pre-pilot of a new reality show, "Top Dog."

Ambrosia said that he wouldn't have been able to follow his dream without the support of the Missouri Guard.

"I am so grateful to the Guard for allowing me to go inactive for a year," he said. "I know that I can pursue my goals while still fulfilling my responsibilities with the Guard."

A Soldier with the 20th Combat Aviation Brigade in Sedalia, Ambrosia works as a logistics officer. He is also a trained pilot for the AH-64A attack helicopter, UH-60 Black Hawk, and Bell 206 JetRanger.

Ambrosia's responsibilities will change with his upcoming deployment overseas. He will deploy in early spring in support of the KFOR-10 mission in Kosovo. During that time, he will be a platoon leader of a maneuver element.

This is Ambrosia's second deployment, but first overseas. In 2005, he was deployed to support relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. He says he is ready to go to Kosovo.

"I'm excited about the deployment," Ambrosia said. "This is my opportunity to serve."

Throughout his careers in acting and serving his country, Ambrosia credits the Guard with helping him achieve his dreams.

"The Guard has given me a great balance," he said. "Steady responsibility with the Guard and the flexibility to try new things. I always knew that I wanted to serve, but I had no idea all the opportunities I would be given."