Honorary Chief Michael Joseph Little, US Navy (Retired)

Michael Joseph Little is a prominent advocate with a national presence, recognized for his unwavering commitment to raising awareness about Military and Veterans Suicide, advocating for improved Veteran care within the Veterans Affairs Administration, and addressing Military Personnel-related issues within the United States Navy and Coast Guard. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of National Executive Director at the Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association for the United States Coast Guard.

In recognition of his dedication to serving the nation's veterans and children, Michael earned the distinction of Honorary Chief Petty Officer, conferred upon him by the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the US Coast Guard, Jason Vanderhaden. His devotion has also earned him a commission as a Kentucky Colonel, a prestigious title bestowed upon him by the 63rd Governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear.

During the 94th annual Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association meeting, CWO4 Christian Westerdahl, the National President, honored Michael with the rank of Honorary Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the US Coast Guard.

Michael's military career began in the United States Navy, where he served with distinction for 18 years as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handler. During his service, he served as a Plankowner aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Tarawa (LHA 1), and multiple other units during his reserve duty. Among his numerous military accolades are the Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal.  Michael is also distinguished as Air and Surface Warfare Qualified.

Michael's commitment to service extended beyond American shores, as he completed two consecutive tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Detention Operations Officer, serving under the command of the Army's 303rd MP Battalion in Iraq and the 16th MP (Airborne) Battalion in Afghanistan. For his efforts, he was accredited with a Department of Labor Certificate as a Corrections Officer Journeyman Apprentice. In recognition of the invisible injuries he sustained during his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael retired from the US Navy on May 30, 2023.

A passionate advocate for veterans, Michael is an active member of various Veteran Service Organizations. He holds a prominent position as a Life Member in the Aviation Boatswain's Mates Association (ABMA), where he currently serves as the National Secretary. 

In addition to his unwavering commitment to veterans' causes, Michael deeply values the precious moments he shares with his wife, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a dedicated Active Duty Hospital Services Technician Chief Petty Officer in the US Coast Guard. Together, they are blessed with two wonderful children: their son, affectionately referred to as "The Admiral," goes by the name William, while their daughter, lovingly nicknamed "The Commodore," is known as Mary.

Michael has held the esteemed position of Past Master at Polk Lodge #137 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Furthermore, he is a distinguished 32nd Degree member of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and a Noble within the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Additionally, Michael proudly belongs to the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree member, steadfastly upholding his profound Catholic faith.

Born in Evansville, IN and raised in McLeansboro, Illinois, Michael earned his education from Rend Lake College in Ina, Illinois, and Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois.

Michael's professional journey has encompassed roles such as Veterans Legislation Analyst & Liaison for New York State Senator Mark Grisanti, where he supported Veterans of the 60th district in Buffalo, NY. During this tenure, he received the prestigious New York State Liberty Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the New York Senate. Additionally, he served as the Director of Legislative Affairs and Government Relations at the Association of the United States Navy for four years.

In a pivotal role during the 2020 elections, Michael was appointed as the Director for Military and Veterans Engagement at the Republican National Committee. He played a pivotal role in mobilizing over 80,000 GOP Veterans across all 50 states, energizing them to participate in door-knocking, phone calls, voter registration, and Get Out The Vote efforts. His dedication extended to supporting candidates at various levels, from the President of the United States to candidates for the House and Senate, State Assemblies and Senates, Judges, and local offices.

In addition to his advocacy and political roles, Michael operates his consulting firm, Sea Service Family Consulting (www.seaservicefamily.com), and a nonprofit organization, Sea Service Family Foundation (www.seaservicefamily.org).

Mr. Little maintains the Moto he learned at the Buffalo Veteran’s Treatment Court, “Leave No Veteran Behind!” #NoVeteranLeftBehind