Born in Washington, D.C., Wurster was commissioned in 1973 upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy.

Wurster is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours, including assignments in both rescue and special operations.

[1] His brother, Charles D. Wurster, retired in 2008 as a vice admiral in the United States Coast Guard.

[2] Wurster retired from the United States Air Force on 24 June 2011, handing over command of AFSOC to Lieutenant General Eric E. Fiel in a ceremony held at Hurlburt Field.

"[3][4] This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Air Force