Candidate Profile: Military Experience

I enlisted into the Michigan Army National Guard when I was 17 years old and still a junior in high school. Over the past 5 and a half years I have had the opportunity to serve in many different capacities in uniform.

In 2018, I volunteered to assist the Houghton/Hancock area after a State of Emergency was declared due to intense flooding that inflicted significant damage to the infrastructure of those communities and within 48 hours I was activated to assist our fellow Yooper's.

In addition to this I was appointed as one of my unit's Career Counselors, assisting fellow service members with their benefits, retention, and transiting out of the National Guard. I was also appointed as one of our unit's Drug Prevention Leaders, where I assist in coordinating and conducting our unit's drug prevention program. I also currently serve full time as a Recruiting and Retention Assistant in addition to my other duties.

Serving both in and out of uniform has always been a driving force in my life, which is why I signed a 6 years extension to my current 6 contract, because I want to continue to serve my Community, State, and Country.

I was honored to receive both NMU's Student Veteran of the Year Award (2019-2020) and the Board of Trustees: Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award (2019-2020). I will continue to serve in any capacity I am needed and look forward to the future assignments that God entrusts me with.

Pictured above, Jake Putala is presenting a special tribute to me on behalf of State Representative Sara Cambensy and State Senator Ed McBroom for my service.

Disclaimer: Cody Mayer is a member of the Michigan Army National Guard. The use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Army, the Michigan National Guard, or the Department of Defense.