A GULF War veteran has swapped his jet-set career in the Royal Air Force for the pious life of a priest in Bromsgrove - Advertiser/Messenger reporter Lisa Heritage finds out why.

The change may astound many but for Rev Michael Rogers it has meant happiness and fulfilment.

Sitting in his cosy kitchen as he ponders over his days in the RAF, it is clear to see that his new lifestyle agrees with him.

The newly-ordained priest, who blessed his first wedding at St John's Church, off Kidderminster Road, on Saturday, was born in Luton before attending Hitchin Boys Grammar School. After a stint as an apprentice at GEC Telecommunications, in Coventry, he met his wife, Margaret, in 1970 and the couple married two years later.

Michael, of Carol Avenue, Bromsgrove, joined the RAF as an apprentice in 1971 and he was posted to the Outer Hebrides to set up a new radar station.

He then moved to Germany where he served as a wing commander, responsible for Tornado management during the Gulf War in 1990.

While there he was responsible for making the aircraft suitable for desert climates by painting each Tornado dusty pink and introducing air conditioning and new weapon systems.

Through sheer hard work and determination, he was awarded the OBE in the 1991 Gulf War Honours and Awards List.

The proud father of two grown up children, Johnathan and Katherine, said: "I couldn't have done so much without the support of my wife, Margaret, who provided us with meals day and night."

Throughout this time, Michael said he never lost his faith and practiced as a Lay Reader for the majority of his time in the RAF.

In 1999, Michael retired as RAF group captain to fully pledge himself to the church.

"I decided I'd reached a crossroads in my life and wasn't sure if I wanted to see out my days in the air force," he said. "I have always felt drawn towards priesthood but wasn't ready before and now believe everything happens in God's time."

Michael trained for the ministry on a two-year course at Ripon College in Cuddesdon, Oxford.

He went on to serve as a curate in St John's Church, before being ordained a priest by the Bishop of Worcester in the city's cathedral in June.

"My most memorable experience was the remembrance service I conducted last November," he said.

"It gave me the chance to reflect upon the friends I lost during the Gulf War and meet the people of Bromsgrove.

"Before I was satisfied with my life but now I feel completely fulfilled and find it a great privilege to share other people's special moments and touch others at hard and difficult times," he added.