July 6, 2001, North Carolina
Biography of Capt. Mitch Bulmann
Born September 17, 1973 in Dearborn, Michigan, Captain Mitchell August Bulmann was the son of Milton August and Janice Kane (Mitchell) Bulmann. Mitch attended Trinity Lutheran Elementary School and was later confirmed into the Lutheran Church. Mitch was a strong Christian and an active member of his community. He was an integral part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in his hometown and volunteered as a guidance counselor at Christian youth summer camps. Mitch went on to graduate from Traverse City High School in 1991. After graduation, he attended Northwestern Prep School in California to pursue his goal to attend the United States Air Force Academy. In June of 1992, he fulfilled his goal by walking up the “Bring Me Men Ramp” as part of the Class of 1996.
While at the Academy, Mitch excelled in every aspect of his cadet life. He was a excellent student attaining over a 3.0 grade point average while majoring in Business Administration and Management. He was the Squadron Operations Officer of Cadet Squadron Seven, and maintained a high military grade point average of 3.1. Known by his squadron mates as a leader who was not too hard or demanding, and a person with the ability to face adversity with a smile, Mitch etched a permanent memory on their souls. He never viewed setbacks in his life as roadblocks but as opportunities to excel in other areas. In 1996 he achieved his goal by being the first from Traverse City to graduate from the Academy. Following graduation, Mitch was assigned to Electronic Systems Command at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. Never one to miss an opportunity to excel, Mitch attended Harvard University at night, graduating in 1999, magna cum laude, with a master’s degree in Public Policy and Diplomacy. Following his assignment at Hanscom, Mitch was given the chance to achieve his dream of becoming a fighter pilot by attending pilot training at Columbus AFB, Mississippi.
While at Columbus, Mitch was an exceptional student and graduated near the top of his pilot training class, receiving his dream assignment to go train to fly the F-16 “Viper” at Luke AFB, Arizona. He spent eight months learning how to fly and employ the F-16 at Luke and then was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, “Gamblers,” at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. Mitch instantly became an integral part of the Gamblers and was quickly on his way to becoming an outstanding, combat ready F-16 fighter pilot.
On July 6, 2001, Mitch gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country when he tragically died in a combat training mishap off the coast of South Carolina. He will always be a member of the “World’s Greatest” fighter squadron and his life and legacy will be a permanent part of it’s history. Mitch is survived by his father, Milton, his sister, Jennifer, his brother, Kevin, and his maternal grandparents, John and Adelyne Mitchell.
Mitch will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on July 27, 2001 at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Mitch’s family requests memorial fund contributions be made to support Christian youth scholarships and activities:
Capt Mitchell Bulmann Memorial Scholarship Foundation
C/O Trinity Lutheran Church
1003 South Maple Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
A Traverse Record Eagle article, dated July 8, 2001, on Mitchell Bulmann can be found HERE!