Michael Byars Lewis, author of the award winning thriller, SURLY BONDS, is a former AC-130U Spooky Gunship Evaluator Pilot with 18 years in Air Force Special Operations Command.  A 25-year Air Force pilot, he has flown special operations combat missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  He served as an Expeditionary Squadron Commander for AC-130U combat operations in Iraq and spent his final assignment on active duty instructing and mentoring the next generation of gunship pilots at the Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center’s schoolhouse for flight instruction, the 19th Special Operations Squadron. Michael is currently a pilot for a major U.S. airline.

Active in his community, Michael has mentored college students on leadership development and team-building and is a facilitator for an international leadership training program.  He has teamed with the Air Commando Foundation which supports Air Commando’s and their families unmet needs during critical times.

While his adventures have led to travels all around the world, Michael lives in Florida with his wife Kim and their two children, Lydia and Derek.