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<p><em>Michael Lawrence Viani </em>was born in 1943 in Boise, ID. His parents, who met in Alaska during World War II, raised him and his three siblings on a small subsistence farm there. While his father, Larry, traveled the West Coast as a union carpenter following work, his mother, Josephine, herself a college graduate, instilled in Mike a love of learning and a confidence in his abilities, despite their humble circumstances.</p>
<p>Mike was the oldest of the four siblings and took that position seriously, serving as a role model and trying his best at everything, whether it was academics or sports. He was valedictorian of his high school, played football, wrestled, and was a member of his high school’s JROTC. When it came time for college, his achievements helped him secure an appointment to West Point from then-Idaho Senator Frank Church.</p>
<p>Mike’s experience at West Point was life changing. He found a lifelong purpose in service but also experienced a world outside Boise, then a small town. He said even the landscape was a bit jarring to him. Being used to the wide vistas and far-off horizons of the West, his eyes had to adapt to the thick woods and rocky hills of upstate New York, where everything seemed just an arms-length away.</p>
<p>He graduated with the Class of 1965, and, after graduation, he successfully completed the U.S. Army’s Airborne and Ranger schools. </p>
<p>In November 1965, he married the love of his life, Cheryl, whom he began dating his senior year. They shared six decades together and a partnership of love and support as they traveled the world and raised their family.</p>
<p>Their first duty station was Nuremberg, Germany, where their first two children, Mark and Laura, were born. From Germany, like many Army lieutenants, he was then sent to Vietnam, where he served as a combat engineer advisor to the South Vietnamese military. Despite the harsh conditions, Mike made friends with his fellow Vietnamese officers and called Vietnam the most beautiful place he’d ever seen.</p>
<p>After returning from Vietnam, he had a short assignment at Fort Belvoir, VA before heading to Stanford University to pursue his Master of Science in engineering. Palo Alto, CA was not the most military friendly location in the 1960s and early 70s, and university classes were sometimes cancelled because of Vietnam War protests. But he and his fellow officers involved in the course (who were told to let their hair grow once they got to the university) had only a limited amount of time to complete classes or their assignment at Stanford would end. When the engineering building was blocked by protestors, Mike and his military classmates would simply “move” them out of the way to get to class. They finished their classes on time and received their degrees.</p>
<p>After Stanford, Mike returned to West Point and renewed friendships with many of his classmates who were also stationed there. Mike and Cheryl’s third child, Paul, was born there. From West Point, it was on to Australia to serve as an exchange officer with the Australian army. Mike served two years there and was so well respected he was offered a chance by the Australian army to serve with them permanently. But, of course, his allegiance was with United States. However, being an American and being known for having a voice that carried, they gave him a jerry-rigged gas mask as a farewell present and called it a “voice muffler.” And that was Mike…wherever he went he made friends and enjoyed a good-hearted ribbing.</p>
<p>From there, it was back to Fort Belvoir and then onto the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. At this point, Mike’s career began to change from engineer to controller and program manager. He was then stationed in Fort Worth, TX, working for the Corps of Engineers, and then onto Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN for what he then considered the pinnacle of his career, post engineer.</p>
<p>But there were more assignments to come: Washington, DC, where he pinned on full colonel; Fort Richardson, AK; and, finally, his last assignment as head of the Pentagon renovation project.</p>
<p>His 27-year military service reflected his deep commitment to country, leadership, and excellence. During his career he was awarded the Legion of Merit (with two oak leaf clusters), the Bronze Star Medal, and several other awards.</p>
<p>Following his retirement from active duty, Mike continued to serve in civilian roles with the Missile Defense Agency and defense contractors, as well as leading the construction of several U.S. embassies in the former Soviet Union, bringing the same dedication and expertise to his second career. He also was involved in his community, particularly Good Shepard Catholic Church.</p>
<p>More than his accomplishments, Mike will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humor, and the deep love he had for his family. His favorite times were spent around the dinner table, sharing stories, laughter, and a good meal with those he loved most. As a father and grandfather, he was ever present in the activities of his children and grandchildren. </p>
<p>Mike’s siblings always called him “the smartest person in the room.” And while that was probably true in many cases, what most people would probably say is that he was the person you wanted to be next to in the room…sharing conversation, coffee or a nice chianti. Be Thou at Peace.</p>
<p><em>— Family and Classmates</em></p>
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