OUR BEGINNING
​
The idea of an organization that all MTIs, past and present, could be a part of was born out of an idea by MSgt (Ret) Lee A. Messina, III. MSgt Messina was a Master Military Training Instructor assigned to the 3704 BMTS from 1980 - 1984. He was the 3704 BMTS Blue Rope of the Year in 1983 and was later the first recipient of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Military Training Instructor of the Year in 1983. Following his retirement, he created a chat room on Yahoo in the late 1990s where current and former MTIs could "gather" to talk about the "old" days. It was in the forum that the idea was created and in June 2002, it became a reality when Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Texas Secretary of State. MSgt Messina provided many insightful suggestions during the formation of the MTIA and is credited with creating the MTIA logo.
​
Another individual who was instrumental in the formation of the MTIA was SSgt (Vet) Tim Johnson. SSgt Johnson served in the 3704 BMTS from 1984 - 1987 and later separated from the Air Force. When the call was sent out to get volunteers to help form this organization, SSgt Johnson was first in line. He took on the challenge of creating our first web site, he designed our initial shirts, and donated countless amounts of money to help fund the first Convention. Without his assistance, the growth of this organization would have been severely hampered. Sadly, SSgt Johnson was killed in a motorcycle accident in September 2008. For his contributions to the MTI Corps, he was awarded the Master Military Training Instructor Award posthumously.
​
In June 2002, the announcement of the MTIA was made on many social media forums with a call for individuals to join. It did not take long for many people to join this organization. The desire to remain a part of something that was very special to their lives and military career could not be passed up. All individuals who signed up from June 2002 until 31 December 2002 were designated Founding Members and are listed below. We are grateful for their initial and continued support until this day.
