Mike’s life in uniform started long before he ever put on a tank commander’s helmet. Born in Japan and raised at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he grew up as an Army brat—absorbing the culture, discipline, and expectations of military life from childhood. The Army was the structure around him, so when it came time to choose a path, he stepped straight into service.
He was commissioned in the United States Army and became a tank commander, leading armored crews and doing the job that demands equal parts technical skill, steel nerves, and the ability to command men in high-pressure environments. His assignment to Germany was the peak of his Army years—real armor units, real training, real responsibility, and the kind of camaraderie that only forms in forward-stationed units.
After Germany, the Army sent him to Fort Knox, where he ran support for Allied officers attending courses at the Armor Training Center. It was mission-critical work. These were partner nations preparing to train and fight alongside the U.S., and Mike was the one ensuring their programs ran smoothly and professionally.
When his active-duty chapter closed, he didn’t fully step away. He moved to Saudi Arabia under contract with Vinnell, part of the long-term effort to strengthen and modernize the Saudi military. During that period, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve and completed the Command and General Staff Course—an achievement that marks a serious, committed professional, not a box checker.
After eight years in Saudi Arabia, Mike shifted into academics and earned a master’s degree in business from the University of Victoria. From there he transitioned into civilian leadership, working as an account manager for Syscom, supporting mid-sized companies throughout British Columbia with their IT operations. Different field, same discipline and problem-solving mindset.
For all that Mike accomplished, the point of deepest pride is his son. Following the family’s legacy of service, his son joined the U.S. Air Force as an EOD technician and deployed to Afghanistan—one of the most dangerous specialties in the military. Mike is fully aware of what that job demands, and he’s unapologetically proud. His son earned that pride through hard service and the life he built afterwards, including the two grandchildren Mike treasures.
In 2011, Mike and his wife retired to Mexico, immersing themselves in the expat community and local culture. In 2018 they returned to Victoria, British Columbia, where they have now resettled—closing the loop on a life that has crossed continents, careers, and generations.
Mike’s story is defined by service, movement, leadership, and family. From tank commander to contractor, from Germany to Saudi Arabia to Victoria, he built a life that reflects commitment in every chapter.