Michael Charles Short

Suffolk - Michael Charles Short, Lieutenant General, US Air Force Retired, passed away at his home in northern Suffolk on Friday, October 27th after a battle with cancer. General Short was with family and friends when he passed away.

He was born in Princeton, New Jersey on 24 February 1944 and was the only child of Janet MacDonald Short and Charles Francis Short. At the time of his birth his father was stationed in rural England preparing for the D-Day jump into occupied France as a member of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. General Short's father committed himself to the US Army shortly after the conclusion of WWII. As an "Army Brat" General Short lived in New Jersey, North Carolina, Japan, Kentucky, Mississippi and France. He graduated from high school in France and entered the US Air Force Academy on 26 June 1961. He graduated from the Academy on 9 June 1965 and married the former Virginia Suhonen from Hibbing, Minnesota on 14 August 1965 and shortly thereafter began pilot training in Texas. Upon earning his silver wings he began a flying career focused on fighter aviation. He amassed over 4,000 flying hours and flew the F-4C, D, E, RF-4C, F-102, F-106, A-7, F-117 stealth fighter, A-10, F-15E and F-16. He flew 276 combat missions in Vietnam in the F-4 and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. His staff experience included tours at the Pentagon, Headquarters Tactical Air Command/Air Combat Command, US Atlantic Command, Allied Air Forces Southern Europe and Headquarters US Air Forces Europe. His command tours included the 5th Cadet Squadron USAFA, 4th Aircraft Generation Squadron, 334th Fighter Squadron, 4450th Tactical Group (Stealth), 355th Tactical Training Wing, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, 4404th Composite Wing and Allied Air Forces Southern Europe. It was in this last position that he served as the Combined Forces Air Component Commander for Operation Allied Force, the 78 day NATO bombing effort to stop the Serbian ethnic cleansing of Muslims in Kosovo. He directed over 35,000 combat sorties, losing two aircraft but no NATO airmen under his command. He retired on 1 July 2000 and began 16 years of work as an Air Force and Joint Senior Mentor focusing on the Command and Control of Airpower. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the AF Distinguished Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Medal with fourteen oak leaf clusters. In 1999 he was presented the Air Force Association's highest honor to a military member in the field of national security, the H.H Arnold Award for commanding the air campaign during Operation Allied Force. General Short oversaw a complex, politically constrained air operation that forced the Serbian regime to accede to NATO terms.

He is survived by his incredible wife of over 52 years, Jini; his son Brigadier General Christopher M. Short, daughter-in-law Brooke and three amazing granddaughters Emily, Rachel and Sara, and by his daughter Colonel Jennifer M. Short, son-in-law Scott Evens, wonderful grandson Jacob and adorable granddaughter Katie.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date not yet determined. Memorial donations may be made to the Air Warrior Courage Foundation. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Warrior, Leader, Mentor, Friend..."Lord Guard and Guide the Men Who Fly."

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, Newport News.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Short

Sponsored by the family.

26 Entries

Robert Dwyer

February 25, 2025

I had the privilege of serving under General Short when he was the 355th TTW Commander at Davis-Monthan AFB. One morning he walked past a pilot friend of mine and asked how he was doing. "Just fine, sir." Colonel Short smiled and said, "The day's still young Dodson . . . ." He was the kind of leader you'd follow anytime, anywhere. RIP, Sir.

Nancy Stallard Richards

November 9, 2024

I just learned of General Short's passing and am heartbroken for our country and all who knew this great man.
I was privileged to work for and with him in Saudi Arabia and later at USAFE with some later interactions also.
As a Captain, on my arrival in Saudi Arabia, I went directly to his office to introduce myself. As he shook my hand, he growled and said, "I don't like lawyers, never believe a word they say." I smiled and said, "You better believe what I tell you." And thus began my service with one of the best commanders I ever had the honor to know and serve. General Short taught me so much about being an operational commander's lawyer.
General Short certainly had a bark (and a strong bite when necessary). He always had the highest standards for himself and others coupled with true integrity and desire to do what was right and best for the mission at hand.
It is comforting to know that many who remain on active duty benefited and, no doubt, continue to benefit from the mentoring of this true military leader.
I (and my husband who also had the privilege of working for General Short) look forward to paying our respects to him on our next trip to Arlington.
I pray your cherished memories of this hero bring you peace and smiles.
Nancy Stallard Richards, Colonel, USAF, Retired

Curt Locke

July 5, 2024

I had the privilege of working for General Short at Aviano Air Base in Italy during the Kosovo War. A great leader from whom I took many lessons in leadership with me through the rest of my career. I just learned of his passing and was saddened to learn of it. With great respect, Curt Locke.

Hank Lade

April 17, 2023

I just read this and found out about the general's passing! I am very sad...he was a great American and it was my extreme pleasure to work under him. He was a man of great integrity, who was true to his word...not many can say that. Condolences to his family.
Very respectfully,
Harry "Hank" Lade, Lt Col-Retired USAF

Daniel W. Roberts

March 25, 2022

I just became aware of General Short's passing and I am very sorry to hear of it. He was a good man and a great general. I became acquainted with him when I served in the USAFE AOS in the late 1990's. We always knew when we left his office that his direction was crystal clear. I wish we had more generals like him today. May he rest in peace.

Gregg Montijo

October 26, 2021

I am forever grateful for the many things I learned from Mike Short during my USAF career. It was fitting to visit his grave site at Arlington to pay respects and thanks while visiting a relatives grave site. His tombstone among the many others does not due justice to his positive impacts to our USAF and the world.

Dennis & Patti Lami

October 26, 2020

General Short,
You were an inspirational leader who set high standards. You challenged everyone to perform at their best. You were a exceptional mentor who's life and wisdom changed my life for the better. I will miss your guidance and friendship. I salute your unwavering service and dedication to our country!!!
Aim high!!!
Colonel (ret) Dennis J. Lami and Patti

Gen. Short with Curt Locke and I.

Mike Paoli

January 24, 2020

I too just learned of Gen. Short's death, and so saddened. I was his public affairs officer during the Kosovo Air War, and had the pleasure of helping him defend the reputation of U.S. Air Power and Airmen. Will always cherish so many memories of his leadership and friendship. A great loss to our country.

Marie

January 18, 2020

I just learned of Lt Gen Short's passing. I had the honor of working for him at Bergstrom AFB early in my civil service career and remember fondly how he always called me kiddo.' I also remember the day he told me he was on the brigadier general nomination, which was a joyous day for him, his family and the men and women at Bergstrom. An Airman's Airman, he was a man of integrity and compassion. Rest In Peace sirthe Air Force misses you.
Marie

Stephen Craig

January 3, 2020

A great Air Force warfighter and thoughtful mentor. I was privileged to be in his senior Aerospace Ops Center class in the early 2000's. At the end of the class, he gave a condensed summary. I had put away my notes but grabbed my paper table name tag and scribbled his wisdom.

1. Coalition Ops is a reality (with all its implications)
2. (Real) Air Campaign Planning was important. Do it (suggesting even when you are told not to). (part of his struggle with his leadership in Serbia)
3. Chain of Command could be multinational as it was for him. His experience was it wasn't going to be Joint Task Force.
4. Know and work your Centers of Gravity.
5. Have to pay attention to Collateral Damage. Heads of Government not military people.

Timeless guidance from a dedicated servant. RIP

Curtis Wright

September 27, 2018

I'm just seeing that General Short passed; I had the pleasure of working for him at the 4404th Composite Wing as NCOIC of Wing HQ Administration. We also ran in the 2-mile relay at Bahrain. It was my pleasure to know him. My best to his family.

Ron von Neumann

June 30, 2018

General Short was my commander while I was working with the 4450th and again at HQ USAFE and at Aviano during the Serbian Air war. He was the greatest leader I have ever known, and I owe him so very much. Before I left Ramstein I told him something I have never told any leader before...I told him I would fight down to my knife to defend him and his son. I know it might have sounded corny, but the General looked me in the eye and said thank you. Then he smiled and said "Sgt V...can you believe they gave me three of these"....I told him he should have four. God Bless you General Short.

Greg Madsen

May 17, 2018

Greatest Commander, Strongest Leader. I had a positive impact on Many lives because This Man taught me SO much SO well.

Dan Phillips

November 30, 2017

Gen Short was my squadron commander in the famed 334th TFS Eagle Squadron. I often flew on the then Lt Col's wing serving as his deputy flight lead which required his trust meeting his high standards of flight discipline and leadership. I always prayed I lived up to his standards and did not meet his wrath or disappointment. As an Academy graduate I was also proud of my fellow grad and aspired to achieve like him but alas many of us are not born with his rare breed of leadership. I had the privilege of welcoming Gen Short to speak to my Air War College class and asking him the first question. To my great pleasure, he never mixed words cutting to the issue and its solution. Read his many interviews and you'll understand. I am also sure he was surprised to see me at War College but I know he was proud as he referred to me as only my closest friends do - Danny. I will miss your words as they were always on target and well understood. Rolling a nickel on the grass in your remembrance, sir. Hopefully I speak for the departed Spanky, One-Y, Beak and others. It was our honor.

Checking 6!

Peter Schwarz

November 22, 2017

I was General Short's Aide de Camp when he was COMAIRSOUTH in Naples, Italy and through Operation Allied Force. Most military men and women recognize General Short as the gifted airman and strong willed leader that he certainly was. As his aide, it was a rare privilege to see him up close and learn that he was much more. He was a father, a husband, a grandfather and what made it all work was his complete devotion to those he loved and commanded. It was an honor to serve along side him. Lt Colonel Peter Schwarz, USAF, Retired

Gregg Montijo

November 7, 2017

Words do not begin to express the sadness I felt when I learned that one of my life mentors had passed. I was fortunate to be selected as the 12th Air Force A-10 Demonstration pilot when he was the 355th TTW Wing Commander and worked directly for him as a young Captain. High standards, demanding, but fair. You knew where the bar was and he challenged you to exceed it. He pushed me to limits I did not know I could reach. Not only was it the best job I ever had in my career, but the many lessons learned under his guidance were invaluable for my USAF and now defense industry job. I also had the pleasure of meeting the entire Short Family over the years and was always warmly received no matter where in the world we were. A loss of a National treasure who made long lasting positive impact to our Air Force.

Chuck Benz

November 7, 2017

As a Master Sergeant I worked for Gen Short back in the Balkan's CAOC. He really was the kind of leader that made you want to work for the organization and its goals. His name always comes up when we talk about the good men in those days... He is honored by many and will certainly be missed.

Scotty Forn

November 3, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Was an honor to work with/for Gen Short.

Lt. Col. Scotty Forn (ret)

Petyaks

November 3, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. He was a very good man and leader.

Mike Morrill

November 3, 2017

I worked with General Short at the CAOC in Vicenza during the operations against Serbia. He was a fantastic leader and just today I was telling stories about him to some new people in my office. When I went to look up his bio discovered he had passed. What a great man I will continue to tell stories of him as long as I'm around. My condolences to you.

Robert Dedmon

November 2, 2017

I first knew him as LtC Short, my first squadron commander (4th AGS) he was the first pilot I launched out after becoming a qualified crew chief. He was was a good leader for me. RIP General,

Jonathan Bitler

November 2, 2017

So sorry to hear of Gen Shorts passing. He was my first squadron commander at Seymour-Johnson and I have him to thank you getting selected to pilot training. He was a true leader and warrior. Jon Bitler

Kevin Matlock, CMSgt (Retired)

November 1, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Know that General Short was a great leader and mentor. I worked for him when he was the USAFE/DO and then again as 16AF/CC when I was in USAFE/AOS. May the almighty grant you comfort during this time of loss.

Deborah Ellis

November 1, 2017

To the families and friends of Michael Charles Short. I do not know the families personally but we all lose love ones in death. I just want to send my deepest condolences to the families. I am sorry for your loss. May God give all of you comfort and peace at this difficult time. Please allow God to strengthen you in your grief.
Virginia will always be my home but now I live in Harrisburg Pa.

Dana Windhorst

November 1, 2017

In memory of a warrior who set a high bar of officership for me to shoot for early in my USAF career. All respect, and deepest sympathy, for Jini and the Short family. Nickel on the grass. -- Dana Windhorst, Col, USAF, Retired

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