1. I would like to convey my highest recommendation that Mr. Mitchell Ellis be selected into the US Army Warrant Officer Candidate Course. I was honored when he requested my endorsement and whole-heartedly believe Mitchell will be an asset to the U.S. Army Warrant Officer community. Mitchell Ellis has been a part of my extended family for two years, and is one finest young men I have encountered. I have had the privilege of observing his maturity, dedication, and integrity. As a rated Air Force officer for 13 years with over 2,500 flying hours in E-3B/C aircraft, a recent graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and currently serving in the Joint Special Operations Command, I have had the opportunity to work with many warrant officers from the U.S. Army, and I believe Mitchell has all of the traits required to excel as a Warrant Officer candidate, a Warrant Officer, and an aviator

2. Mitchell’s major strengths are his integrity, dedication to completing tasks, and maturity. I see these three characteristics each time I come in contact with him. Mitchell showed his desire to become a helicopter pilot by enrolling in flight school soon after graduating from high school. Through his hard work and dedication to excellence, he demonstrated he has the technical competence to become a warrant officer by achieving multiple qualifications in 75% of the time it took others to earn equivalent ratings. When Mitchell’s flight school went out of business he demonstrated his maturity and flexibility, as well as his passion for flying by; instead of giving up on his dream to fly, he enrolled in a fixed wing aircraft course, where he continues to excel. In a demonstration of Mitchell’s aptitude for leadership, he uses his rotary wing education to help others in understanding airmanship and the skills required to be a successful aviator.

3. Mitchell Ellis is squarely established as one of the finest gentlemen I have had the pleasure to be associated with and I fully trust him with the responsibility of leadership in any institution, especially as a commission Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army. Please feel free to call me with any questions at (702) 241-2469. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and thank you for the opportunity to provide candid observations.

JON M. RHONE, Maj, USAF

JSOC / AVTEG