Colonel Lawrence M. “Mike” Larsen distinguished himself as an outstanding Quartermaster leader and superb logistician throughout 30 years of service in both the active and reserve components of the US Army. He was commissioned through the ROTC program at Utah State University in 1976. He had numerous key command and staff positions including Maintenance Management Officer; Command Supply and Services Officer; Battalion Support Operations Officer, and Battalion Executive Officer. Colonel Larsen was the Commander, 362d Quartermaster Battalion (Petroleum Supply) from 1997-99. During this time, he deployed the battalion to the Middle East in support of United States Central Command security cooperation training exercises. In 2000, Colonel Larsen assumed command of 171st Area Support Group, a position he held for over four years. During this time, he planned and executed the deployment of the group in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-04. The 171st ASG provided logistical support to units throughout southern Iraq and northern Kuwait.