Bachus, Michael, SgtMaj

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?
Mike told me once that he joined the corps right out of high school because he wanted to go to Viet Nam but that was not to be. He also did not want to work for the auto industry since he was growing up in the suburbs of Detroit and that was always an option. He turned down an awesome scholarship to Western Michigan University for wrestling to join the Marine Corps.

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
Mike was flying from day one. I can't adequately answer this question. But I do know that he promoted quickly and worked hard to get where he was. His unit listing on TWS gives an idea.

IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
Again another question I'm not equipped to answer but he did have combat experience. Perhaps someone on here can tell me more. I didn't meet Mike until he was a First Sergeant.

FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
I think Mike enjoyed the years on the drill field the most. He talked about that a lot. He also LOVED embassy duty. He spent time in Africa twice and time in Belgium.

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
Mike went to work for the Michigan Department of Corrections and worked at the Oaks Prison in Manistee until just before his death.

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?
Mike's years in the Marine Corps influenced many things about him. He had a strong work ethic and was a dedicated employee. He gave his all to everything he went after, whether it was work, hunting, fishing, family life or any other project or hobby.