Mitch was born in Mattoon, Illinois and raised in Hidalgo, Illinois. Mitch attended Newton Community High School; Olney Central College; Asford University and St. Ambrose University.
Mitch, an Infantryman (E4) in the Illinois Army National Guard, served from January 2007 until October 2011. In Kandahr, Afghanistan on October 13, 2008 while conducting route clearance operations, Mitch’s vehicle was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), and subsequently ambushed. He sustained serious injuries from the accident including a spinal injury, hearing loss, head injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Tragically, his good friend CPL Scott Dimond lost his life in the blast.
Mitch currently works for the US Department of Army, Rock Island Arsenal as a contract specialist, continuing his work with the military and service to the United States. Additionally, he is working on his MBA and anticipates a December 2018 graduation.
Puppy Jake Foundation service dog HERMAN was placed with Mitch in May 2018. Mitch is excited to have a “battle buddy” to assist him with many of his injuries. Mitch enjoys hanging out with his family, lawn work and mowing the yard.
Mitch and his wife reside in Indianapolis, IN with their 2 daughters and 2 sons.