CALLING Capt. Michael Corsar, an instructor pilot for the 319th Operations Support Squadron, found himself battling two different worlds - his real life and his military life.
“I needed to make a change, and God says to surround yourself with other believers,” Corsar said. “I thought others may be feeling the same way.”
Together with a few other airmen, Corsar developed an idea to start a Christian ministry called Altitude.
“It's an opportunity to escape the work day, be around level-headed people and re-energize for the week,” said Corsar who hosts the monthly gathering.
The monthly gatherings are held on a Wednesday during lunchtime at Roma's just off the Grand Forks Air Force Base. The first 30 minutes comprise gabbing, seeing how things are going for people, ordering food and eating, Corsar said. The remaining 15 minutes is reserved for a devotional that is often led by Thrive Pastor, Dr Mark Hale.
Getting coworkers together is important to Corsar, but he emphasizes the importance of integrating friends, spouses and families that may or may not be Christians.
“We're a regular bunch of normal guys and gals where rank is not seen,” Corsar said.
The decision to join the Air Force came seven years ago for Corsar.
“My wife and I were on the verge of breaking, so I threw my hands up and said, ‘Lord, you've got to make the change,'" Corsar said.
Both Corsar and his wife, Becky, changed jobs. Corsar then obtained his master's degree in engineering and felt led to enter the Air Force. He believes his life has changed for the better, but it has also brought new challenges - “living a Christian life in a non-Christian world.”
“God didn't say it would be easy; I don't do it perfectly, that's for sure,” Corsar said. Maybe the key to Corsar's ability to lead is apparent in his confidence, yet his lack of arrogance makes him approachable.
Incoming pilots to Grand Forks Air Force Base will have to spend time with Corsar before being cleared for missions. Corsar has served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He's flown the KC-135 in 140 combat missions.
“My first job is to be a pilot, but God also called me to be a Christian,” Corsar said.
For more information on Altitude, contact Corsar at (701) 330-9072, (701) 213-0583 or e-mail at corsarfam4@yahoo.com.
