Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, Mike enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps in May 1965. After recruit training at MCRD San Diego, CA, Mike underwent infantry and personnel/administrative training at Camp Pendleton. In March 1966, he was reassigned overseas and served with Company H, 2^nd Battalion, 9^th Marines in the Republic of Vietnam. Upon completion of that tour of duty in April 1966, Mike was assigned to the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Albuquerque, NM where he served as the Administrative Chief. He also performed ad hoc recruiting duty in support of the Officer Selection Officer in Dallas, TX. In 1971, Mike was transferred to Okinawa, Japan where he was assigned to Company C, 3^rd Reconnaissance Battalion. In 1972, Mike reported to the Inspector-Instructor Staff, 4^th Tank Battalion, USMCR, NAS Miramar, San Diego, CA where he served as the Administrative Chief.

Following completion of Recruiters' School at MCRD, San Diego in 1976, Mike was assigned to the Officer Selection Office in Albuquerque, NM, where he and one officer were responsible for officer candidate recruiting at all colleges and universities in New Mexico and West Texas. Upon completion of OSO duty in 1980, Mike assumed duties as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Armed Forces Examining & Entrance Station (now called MEPS) in El Paso, Texas. In 1982, Mike was transferred back to Albuquerque where he resumed recruiting duty with the Officer Selection Office until his retirement in June 1985.

Mike's medals and awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards); Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal (5 awards); National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal (2 campaign stars); Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation w/Palm; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device; Rifle Expert Badge; and Pistol Expert Badge. Mike also received numerous other accolades for Recruiting Excellence in addition to being recognized as 8^th Marine Corps District OSO Recruiter of the Year in 1984.

Following his military retirement, Mike continued government service with the U. S. Postal Service where he has occupied several supervisory and managerial positions. He is currently assigned to the Postal Service's Arizona District where he is an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor-Investigator and Dispute Resolution Specialist. Mike graduated from Brownsville High School, Brownsville, Texas in May 1964.

His formal military education includes the Staff NCO Academy. Mike is also a graduate of the U. S. Postal Service's William Bolger Management Academy and has completed training at the Justice Center of Atlanta as a Federal Mediator. Mike earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University. Mike is a member of the Marine Corps Association, American Legion, National Association of Postal Supervisors, League of United Latin American Citizens, and the National Council of La Raza.

Mike and his wife Trinnie, a native of New Mexico, live in Gilbert, AZ; and have two children and two grandchildren.