Col. Michael James Irwin, USAF, Ret.

Wow, Mike was one of kind, a leader, mentor and friend, he made the world around him a better place. RIP, God Bless

Without a doubt, the FINEST Commander I ever served under. He will be greatly missed by many.

Rest in my good friend. I'll see you one day soon.

We are all blessed for having known and served with Mike. The country is better because of his service. We will all miss you

Mike and I grew up knowing each other throughout our youth and attending the same high school in Ocean Springs, MS. We never knew approx 20yrs later we'd meet again as Commander and First Sgt of the 81st Security Forces Sq at Keesler AFB, 1997-1998. He was a leader among men, a true example to follow. I knew he would go on to do great thing. May God continue to bless and comfort his family.

It was my privilege to have served with Co l[then Lt] Irwin at Spangdahlem AB in Germany. He was an outstanding leader and a good friend. I am praying for his family that God will give them the peace that passes all understanding . Rest in Peace my friend.

I served under Col Irwin at Adrews AFB in the early 2000s. He was undoubtably one of the most influential leaders in my own personal development, and I have attempted to emulate many of his qualities and lessons through my career. I recall standing in formation when he was promoted to Colonel and thinking wow... this is impressive. That motivation served as my inspiration and desire to one day have an Eagle on my own Beret. Col Irwin and family, thank you for your service and sacrifice to...

The outpouring of love, admiration, and respect captured in this guestbook—along with the hundreds of messages shared across Security Forces social media—speaks to the impact Mike had on everyone he met. His leadership will endure long after our names are forgotten. The skills he taught and the example he set will be carried forward, passed from one generation to the next. The strength we draw on to keep the world safe will live on in the lineage he helped build—a legacy that will last.