Bio

Chief Warrant Officer Five Michael A. Polk succeeded as a two-sport student-athlete during his time at Missouri Valley College.  Polk was a four-year letterman on the Viking football team, putting together his best seasons in 1988 and 1989.  He was named to the Heart of America Athletic Conference All-Conference first team as a wide receiver, and was a second team all-conference selection as a kick returner in 1988.  Polk received first team All-District 16 honors at both positions that season.  In 1989, Polk received first team all-conference selections at both wide receiver and kick returner, and was first team all-district at both positions.  He earned an honorable mention selection to the NAIA All-America team following the season and helped the team to its first conference championship and NAIA Division II National Postseason appearance in 11 years.

In addition to his success on the football field, Polk was a stand-out member of the track and field team.  A four-year letterman for the program, Polk’s best events were in the relays. As a member of the 4x400 meter relay team, he won four-straight Heart and District 16 championships.  He also competed three straight years at the NAIA National Track and Field meet in the 4x100 meter relay, and earned NAIA All-American honors in the 4x100 meter relay event in 1991.  Also during his time at Missouri Valley, Polk was active in the V-Club and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

After graduating from Missouri Valley with a bachelor’s degree in recreational management, Polk followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Army.  He graduated from the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Win Course and became a UH60 Blackhawk Pilot.  His tours of duty included seven stateside locations, two tours in Germany and two tours in Italy.  Polk has also seen three combat deployments to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism.  He currently serves as an Aviation Safety Officer assigned to the United States Army Africa headquartered in Vicenza, Italy.

Polk credits Ken Gibler, Dan Kratzer and Jim Cox as people who greatly influenced him at Missouri Valley.  Each took a personal interest in his life, providing mentorship, guidance and instilling principles that are still with him today.  Two of his favorite quotes that he learned while at Missouri Valley are “Nickle Holding up a Dollar” and “Keep Sawing on Wood.”