Michael J, Rand, LTC retired USAF/MANG, passed away on September 26, 2023 in Helena, Montana.
Michael lived in Montana most of his life. He graduated from Geraldine High School and received his bachelor’s degree in social justice from Montana State University. He enlisted in the USAF after high school and served as a law enforcement specialist at the following locations: McConnell AFB, Wichita, KS; Misawa AB, Japan, and Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C. Upon return to Montana, he served as a dispatcher and detention office for the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Dept; a patrol officer for Montana State University Police; a civil process server and patrol deputy for Gallatin County Sheriff’s Dept; training officer and Bureau Chief for the Basic Program at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. Michael joined the Montana Air National Guard and served as Employee Development Specialist and Supervisory Personnel Management Specialist. He obtained his commission in 2001 and served as Commander of the 120th Security Forces Squadron until 2003. He then accepted a position at Fort Harrison as the Commander of the 83rd Civil Support Team. Michael retired from military service in 2013. Michael showed great care and compassion for all those who worked with him or for him. No matter what the challenge, he always had a smile to brighten someone’s day.
Michael was involved in his community serving as Commander for Helena’s Civil Air Patrol, a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Via this program, Michael helped educate youth through a curriculum that focused on leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character.
Michael was a wonderful husband and father to his wife and two sons. He had a great love for the outdoors and hunting. He and his family enjoyed many adventurous travels together. Memories that will stay with us always.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association on behalf of Michael. There will be no services.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Angel says
Oh Cindy. Mike will be missed. He left lots of memories for me. Fly on Angel’s wings my friend.
Kathy McGowan says
So sorry to hear. I always enjoyed visiting with Mike.
Tim Gittens says
Please accept my sympathies. I had no idea Mike was suffering. It’s hard to believe the Supermen in our lives are vulnerable.
Robert Bannister says
LTC Rand was a great leader and friend to all. He was very well liked and respected and will be missed by so many. Prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Wanda & Steve Arlint says
Cindy & boys:
We are so sorry for your loss. Mike and Cindy were great role models for the kids in Civil Air Patrol. We had some fun trips.
Wanda & Steve Arlint
Trudi Pellant says
Many good memories of Uncle Mike! Prayers for you all.
Amber says
LTCol Rand was a great leader and mento to many of us in the MTANG. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. Thinking of Mike brought a smile to my face. I hope your memories bring you smiles and love.
Randy Golightly Ret ANG. says
Mlke was a great friend, served with him in the Guard, 120 S.P. for many years. Spoke with him when he volunteered at the fort. May he rest in peace and may you know he loved, and spoke of his family often. He will be missed.
Tawny Barghultz Eaton says
Mike was a huge part of mine and my dad’s guard career. He was a great friend to both of us. He will definitely be missed by so many.
Kelly Rand says
Mike is missed and forever loved.
His brothers Kelly and Tony and sister Heavenly Linda, Dotte and Nancy ache with grief and broken hearts.
Rick Later says
With SINCERE SYMPATHY R.I.P.
Rick & Cooky Later
Mumm Darlene says
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He meant the world to George who held him in the highest regard. Hopefully they will find each other and can share some great memories of their time at MTANG together. He had given a beautiful picture of “Eagles” to George that had been in his office and George then had it in his office until he retired. I will forever cherish that beautiful picture. Darlene Mumm
Connie OLoughlin says
I’m very sorry for the news of Mike’s passing. He was the commander when I was hired as the first Security Admin outsource. He always treated me with respect and care. He was a true leader and will be missed by many. Prayers for the entire family 🙏🏻
gordon rognrud says
Over 43 Years, Mike was a true Friend and Gentleman. He was a great support for us working in the MSU residence halls and beyond, to utilizing his experience/humor in my classroom at Bozeman High School, and the same in association/affiliation with the MTARNG. Gordon Rognrud
Barry McNamara says
So sorry to see this obit today.
LTC mike Rand was one of the nicest, kindest, caring man I have ever had to honor to get to know and associate with.
Mike truly loved his family, country, state and his fellow service members, no matter which branch they served in. He was especially supportive to our family after our son was wounded in Afghanistan.
Chuck Harvey says
Cindy and boys…One of my first students at Geraldine and an important member of the 1973 football team as well as the student body. He will be missed by all.
Anita J. Lee (aka AJ Hart) says
Mike and I worked together when he was SF Commander and I was Finance. I enjoyed working with him and missed him after he moved to Helena. He’s one who made working at MTANG enjoyable. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was one of the best.
Chaplain Chris Thompson says
Mike and Cindy were ideal leaders, instructors and models for the young men and women of the Helena Civil Air Patrol Squadron. Friendships begun there continue still.
Jan (Meyer) White says
So sorry to hear this. Rest In Peace Mike.
Love and prayers to the family .
God Bless
Deacon Steve Barry (MHP Ret.) says
God’s blessings to Mike and his family. I knew him through law enforcement contacts at Gallatin County and MLEA. He was a good man with an easy smile and a heart willing to help others. May he rest in peace.
Gordy Lobdell says
Very Sad to Hear this. Mike was a Great Friend and Was My Patrol Partner at MSU. We Hunted together and had so many Great Times. Deepest Condolences to Cindy and all of Mikes Family. RIP Brother 🙏🙏❤️
Karen K Tobel says
Cindy, so sorry to hear of Mike’s struggles and passing. He was very well respected by Frank and myself. My prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Tobel
Tracey Schmacher says
I remember Mike from a long time ago when he was my instructor for the Detention Officer Basic Course in Bozeman. He was such a kind and generous man. I really liked him. He was so engaging and really took the time to get to know you as an individual.
I am so sorry to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
William Gamradt says
LTC Rand was a great Commander and Leader of the 83rd Civil Support team, he was genuine, had lots of character. Our 22 blended teammates of Army and Air appreciated his drive and vision to stand up the unit while giving us an opportunity to serve our community and the great nation in the time of need. I deeply appreciated his outlook on life and deeply appreciated his advice on my career and general life advice. He had conviction and his words were solid! Cindy and Family heart felt sorrow and prayers during this time of grieving, he gave his all and left his mark on many of us.
Joan Rand says
Cindy and boys, it’s been a long hard road. You are in our thoughts. May you each find joy in the wonderful memories that Mike left with us. He was a kind loving friend and brother-in-law. We miss him so much.
Ruby (Ingebritson) Greer says
I will never forget how impactful Mike (and Cindy) were to me in Civil Air Patrol.
They helped teach grit and fortitude and am so thankful for that.
I am thinking of you Cindy and sons.
Norman O'Brien says
So sorry to hear about Mike. We were stationed together at Misawa AB, Japan we had great times, Mike was a great guy, a bit crazy but we had the best times. I visited him at Bolling AFB after Misawa but then we lost touch. I just found this post. So surprised and impressed he retired as LTC. So very sad to hear about losing him, would have loved making contact again.