Mike is the senior director of education and career training for the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). He is a native of central New York and enlisted in the army in 1987 as an infantryman; he was assigned to the 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He also served as a squad leader, B Company 130th Infantry Regiment, Illinois National Guard. In June 2011, Mike took command of the Saint Bonaventure Army ROTC program in Western New York, and in 2013 he transitioned to Syracuse University as the professor of military science, until retiring in 2015 following 28 years of service. His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal With Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal With Bronze Star, Armed Forces Service Medal With Bronze Star, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal With Bronze Star, Army Aviator Wings, Combat Action Badge, Airborne Wings, Air Assault Wings, and Thai Royal Military Parachutist Badge. Mike has a master of business administration from Webster University.