Mike Waldron

Executive Director

Mike joined the Marine Corps as an Infantryman a week after high-school. In 2001 he spent 6 months in the Pacific Ocean where he experienced building schools in Indonesia, training on islands of Japan, and preparing for non-lethal extraction of a U.S. Ambassador.

In 2002 Mike was meritoriously promoted to a non-commissioned officer for his dedication and duties as a Marine. Afterward, he deployed to Kuwait as a show of force leading to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mike and his unit were the first to cross the border in the initial invasion of Iraq, spending his 21st birthday securing enemy prisoners of war near Al-Bashara. He returned from combat after 8 months overseas and was honorably discharged into civilian life.

Following the Marine Corps, Mike obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, managed Federal Buildings and U.S. Courthouses throughout the Midwest, returned to Purdue to learn Entrepreneurship through EBV, and has found his life purpose in serving other veterans.

The 23rd Veterans Organization's 

Mission

Provide happier, healthier lives for veterans living with trauma.

Overview

Depression is common among our returning veterans with over 130,000 veteran suicides since 9/11. In 2012, it was estimated that 22 veterans a day commit suicide. 23rd Veteran was created with that shocking statistic in mind.

23rd Veteran is a groundbreaking program working to help veterans adjust back to the civilian world. A nonprofit organization headquartered in Minnesota, 23rd Veteran has created a model which uses brain science, evolutional theory, positive trigger re-association, and positive psychology to assist veterans leaving the military and those who never properly transitioned. We also provide training to businesses and communities who want to create a more positive environment for our returning veterans.