Obituaries

Michael Todd Bollen

Photo of Michael  Todd Bollen
Michael Todd Bollen, 46, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Nov. 19, 2017. He was born Nov. 17, 1971 to Allen Bollen and Sandy (Chamness) Bollen. Mike lived a life of service to others, proudly serving over 20 years on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. He began his military service as a light armored vehicle mechanic in the United States Marine Corp, and culminated his career as a United States Army AH-64 Attack Helicopter Master Aviator, Certified Maintenance Test Flight Examiner, and Instructor Pilot. During his time as an attack helicopter pilot he deployed four times in support of combat operations in Southwest Asia; three deployments in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and his final deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield, targeted against Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. He concluded his military career at Fort Bliss, Texas retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in June 2014. Mike's military awards and honors include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, six Air Medals including an Air Medal with Valor, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal/Global War on Terrorism Service, USMC Good Conduct Medal, Master Aviator Badge, and the Order of St. Michael Bronze Award. After retirement from the military Mike continued to serve his community by providing his skills as a pilot to the Emergency Medical Services field. Mike began his second flying career as a line pilot with AirEvac Lifeteam in Batesville, Miss. before joining the Pafford Air One team. Mike was the Lead Pilot and a Pilot in Command for Pafford Air One Bravo based in Pine Bluff, Ark. Mike enjoyed spending time outdoors with his son, and also volunteered his time to lead the Arrow of Light Den for Cub Scout Pack 10. The only thing Mike loved more than flying, was his wife Jamie and his son Jack. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend. Survivors include his loving wife of 16 years, Jamie Bollen; son, Jack Bollen; parents Sandy Bollen of Bryant and Allen Bollen of Malvern; sister, Anisa Bollen of Little Elm, Texas; father and mother-in-law James and Susan Nixon of Bismarck; brother-in-law Jeremy Nixon of Hot Springs; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark. A celebration of Mike's life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 at Hot Springs Baptist Church, where he was a member. Burial with full military honors will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Bismarck, Ark. Pallbearers will members of the United States Military Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers are Mike's colleagues from Pafford Air One and Air Methods Corporation. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.

Published November 27, 2017

Upcoming Events