Michael retired as a Colonel, after 30 years as a Unites States Marine Corps Aviator. He commanded a Helicopter Squadron and a Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of combat and contingency operation in Africa, Central and Pacific Commands, with both commands receiving unit awards for excellence and safety.  Michael has over 3,600 hours of flight time in Helicopters and Fixed Wing aircraft. He has an extensive background in operations, intelligence, and national security. His personal combat and contingency awards include one Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars and twelve Air Medals. Michael has served as a flight instructor, M1A1 tank Forward Air Controller, Marine Air Group Executive officer in combat and for Michael’s last assignment he was hand selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to reset the USMC Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) program, and to work closely with the larger behavioral health and suicide prevention team.  In two years, his team took the Marine Corps from the lowest of the service to the best SAPR program in DoD. By integrating evidenced based risk drivers that correlated with increased risk for suicide. He supported researched informed new processes, data analytics and leadership engagement to help commanders recognize, mitigate and better support struggling Marines. Michael now works as their Vice President for Strategic Accounts at ClearForce. He also supports non-profit organizations focused on helping veterans and their families prevent suicide and support resiliency. He holds a bachelor’s Degree from San Jose State University in Aeronautics, a Master’s Degree from Troy State University in Management and a Master’s Degree from the Naval War College in National Security and Strategic Studies.  Michael resided in Reno Nevada with his wife Nichelle.