Mike Kessler began his career when he was commissioned a second lieutenant after graduating from the University of Washington in 1973. His 25 years of service to our country include command of two rifle platoons and time as the Series Commander and Assistant Director of the Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot. He also commanded a Landing Support Company, an H&S Company, a Marine Security Company as Marine Barracks in Bangor, Washington, and a rifle company with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines. In 1999, LtCol Kessler was hired as the first National Executive Director of the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League. Lt Col Kessler has guided the program’s growth into one of the preeminent youth organizations in the United States which serves as a model for other youth groups in drug-demand reduction, having won six Fulcrum Shield Awards for excellence in youth anti-drug education. Also, the Young Marines program has expanded its purpose and intent to include engaging with the communities and endorsing a program that supports America’s veterans. Other organizational accomplishments include creating a series of summer programs, developing a national database, creating a National Leadership Academy, formalizing Veterans Appreciation Week, and producing a series of videos for which the organization earned six Telly Awards for video production excellence. LtCol Kessler retired to Everett, Washington, with his wife, Kimberly. They have six children and eight grandchildren.