A Journey Forged in Service

For 24 years, this Navy veteran lived the meaning of service before self. From the moment he enlisted, seeking purpose, opportunity, and a path to becoming a combat medic, Mike’s career became a testament to dedication, adaptability, and heart.

As a Hospital Corpsman, he truly embodied the phrase jack of all trades. His career spanned laboratory medicine, preventive medicine, and hands‑on care for Marines, Sailors, and military families. His words say it best:

“I proudly served doing the Nation’s work for 24 years.”

Mike served at a wide range of duty stations, including Orlando, Camp Lejeune, Ingleside, Bethesda, Parris Island, San Diego, Guam, Bahrain, Jacksonville, Camp Pendleton, and 29 Palms, and was deployed with 3/8, 2/8, and the USS Constellation (CV‑64). Few modern Sailors see that much of the world in one career.

And for Mike, among his many awards, one stands above the rest:

“I am most proud of my Combat Action Ribbon I earned while deployed to Afghanistan with 2/8.”

Leadership, Lessons & Legacy

One leader left a lifelong impression: LtCol Cabiness, a commander who led with common sense, compassion, and a deep understanding of what wins wars: Marines and Corpsmen on the deck plates.

“He genuinely put his Marines ahead of the mission… and we found great success in 2009 as a result of his leadership.”

Mike’s biggest challenge? Witnessing how generational shifts and decades of war reshaped the military’s culture and expectations. Yet through it all, he held fast to the values that defined him: duty, work ethic, and service to something bigger than himself.

Life After the Uniform

Transitioning out wasn’t easy. Slowing down from “110 miles an hour” and connecting with civilians who didn’t share the military experience took time. But he found grounding in family, purpose, and the outdoors.

Hunting became a place of peace.
Veteran‑centric events became a place of belonging.
And he never forgot to tell others:

“Maximize your benefits. You earned them.”

Finding His People Again: Joining the CVMA^®

When Mike bought a motorcycle again, he wasn’t just looking for a bike, he was looking for brotherhood.

“CVMA has allowed me to find some of those peeps I can really connect with and truly be myself.”

His favorite part?

• The back patch.
• The instant connection.
• The unspoken understanding.
• The ability to help another vet with nothing more than a handshake, a hug, or a phone call.

One of his favorite memories: Being patched in alongside his Bday BFAM Tex at Cyclebilly’s shop, followed closely by the day his wife, Glitter Squid, earned her full patch.

The Rider

Mike rides a 2021 Road Glide Limited, built for long miles and big adventures, even if the paint color wasn’t his first choice. Riding gives him freedom, clarity, and peace:

“Mentally and emotionally, it’s liberating… I like being in my head as I ride.”

Mike’s favorite ride ever? Circling the island of Guam: waterfalls, lagoons, ocean breezes, and waterside bars. A tropical paradise on two wheels.

Beyond the Patch

When he’s not riding, Mike’s living life fully. He spends his free time hunting, traveling, attending concerts, making maple syrup, cutting and splitting wood, supporting his family’s dreams, and fishing when time allows.

And here’s something most people don’t know about Mike: He holds four degrees (including one in gunsmithing) and once rode bulls in rodeo competitions!

If He Could Ride Anywhere

The Pan‑American Highway tops the list: the twists, turns, and breathtaking views from one end of the world to the other.

What CVMA^® Means to Mike

Belonging. Brotherhood. Purpose.

“It gives me an immediate connection with no judgement… a hug, handshake, phone call, or email away from making something happen for another veteran.”

For anyone thinking about joining? He keeps it simple:

“Come hang out a few times. Ride with us. You’ll know if it suits your heart.”