Mike is a 26-year Marine veteran, with active service from 1960 to 1986. Mike served 15 years in the enlisted ranks before being commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, serving his last 11 years as an Officer, retiring at the rank of Major. A unique provision of his commissioning program was the parallel continuation of his enlisted service file. and he was advanced to Master Sergeant (E8) and Master Gunnery Sergeant (E9) during his commissioned service.

Two highlights of his career were: As a Staff Sergeant at Headquarters, US Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971, he made worldwide assignments for Marines in the Motor Transport and Tracked Vehicle fields. With two Divisions and one Airwing in combat, it was a demanding and challenging duty keeping Motor-T and Tracked Vehicle personnel balanced throughout the Corps. Through this experience, Mike gained invaluable administrative skills that he employed throughout his career. Secondly, as a Captain, Mike was the Operations Officer and Deputy Commander at the Military Entrance Processing Station, Los Angeles from 1980 to 1983. Mike supervised a joint service team, processing in excess of 400 all-service applicants daily. MEPS-LA was, and continues to be, one of the top processing stations in the 26 station enlistment processing commands. Mike has served equal time in Air, Ground, and Independent Duty assignments. Mike’s final tour was as Deputy Director, Personnel Administrative Center, MCRD, San Diego where he retired in 1986. Mike personal awards include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Achievement Medal with Combat “V” and the Good Conduct Medal with four stars.

Following his Marine Corps service, Mike enjoyed four years in the golf industry, followed by 12 years in light manufacturing in San Diego. He was a Facility/Operations Manager for three start-up companies producing memory and computer related products. Returning to Federal Service in 2010, Mike was employed by Homeland Security Investigations as an Investigative Assistant. For nearly nine years he worked alongside Federal Special Agents combating international and border crimes. Mike fully retired in 2018 and continues to live in San Diego.

Mike is in his nineteenth year of volunteer service to the Flying Leathernecks Historical Foundation. He started as a volunteer docent, has augmented the office staff, and has been a member of the Board of Directors in several capacities. Mike is fully committed to the relocation and continuation of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum.