About Mike

Mike Brenner is a United States Air Force veteran, business professional, and dedicated American Legion leader who believes that honoring the organization's proud history must be accompanied by a willingness to embrace change and prepare for its future.

Following high school, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning his military service on his birthday in March 1987. He served as an intelligence analyst at Clark Air Base in the Philippines and Fort George G. Meade in Maryland.

Following his military service, Mike built a career in sales, customer service, and technology solutions. For more than 25 years, he has worked with municipal governments throughout Ohio and surrounding states, helping local officials address complex technology challenges and improve the delivery of essential services to their communities. His work has taken him to virtually every corner of Ohio, where he has developed relationships with community leaders and public officials at all levels of local government.

This extensive experience has given Mike an appreciation for effective leadership, organizational improvement, and the importance of adapting to changing expectations while maintaining a commitment to service.

Mike began his American Legion journey in 2018 and joined Tipp City's Post 586 in 2020. Since 2022, he has served in several leadership positions, including Post Chaplain, Second Vice Commander, and currently First Vice Commander. At the Third District level, he previously served as Adjutant and currently serves as Finance Officer.

At Post 586, Mike has made improving communications and expanding community awareness a priority. He has twice redesigned the Post newsletter, giving it a fresh, modern appearance while improving how information is presented to members. He also developed and implemented a new Post website, which he updates weekly with current events, activities, and announcements. Additionally, he has enhanced the Post's social media presence through creative graphics, advertising, and promotional materials designed to increase awareness and engagement.

Vision for the Third District

As a candidate for Third District Second Vice Commander, Mike's focus is on strengthening the American Legion by building upon its existing programs while introducing fresh ideas and new opportunities for involvement.

He believes that many of the programs and traditions that have served the American Legion for generations deserve continued support, but also thoughtful evaluation. Programs should evolve to meet the changing needs and interests of today's veterans, their families, and the communities they serve.

Mike intends to bring creativity, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to ask difficult questions about how the organization operates. His goal is to refresh existing District programs, explore new initiatives, and encourage greater participation among Posts and their members.

Central to his vision is a belief that the American Legion must be willing to examine its organizational culture, challenge long-standing assumptions, and reconsider practices that may unintentionally limit participation or discourage prospective members.

He believes the American Legion has an opportunity to strengthen its public image by demonstrating that it is not simply an organization built upon its history, but an active, welcoming, and forward-looking organization committed to veterans and community service.

Mike's approach is grounded in a simple philosophy: Respect the traditions that define us, challenge the practices that limit us, and embrace the ideas that will carry us forward.

His goal is to help build a stronger, more engaged Third District that honors the service of previous generations while creating an organization that future generations of veterans will want to join, support, and lead.