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<p><em>Michael James “Mike” Neilson</em> was born in Wilmington, DE to George and Betty Neilson on October 1, 1955. Mike was the youngest of three siblings, with a brother, Steve, and a sister, Kathy. As a kid, Mike loved sports. He played Little League football and baseball, as well as recreational tennis, but his real love was gymnastics. He could perform an amazing iron cross. Mike attended Brandywine High School and excelled in gymnastics, placing second in the state championship. He loved helping his dad at the local community theater, both backstage and with acting parts. Mike thought the best way to serve his country was to join the military. He learned about West Point through his high school counselor and applied to attend. He was not immediately accepted, so he opted to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS). After graduating high school in 1973, Mike enlisted in the Army and attended Army Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ. In August 1973, he reported to USMAPS at Fort Belvoir, VA. Mike assisted the USMAPS Football and Basketball teams as a manager, but concentrated on academics so he could get into West Point. He graduated from USMAPS and entered the Academy in July 1974. </p>
<p>Mike was in two companies while at West Point: A-4 for plebe and yearling years; I-2 for cow and firstie years. What Mike’s companymates remember most about him was his electric smile and his eternal optimism, all combined with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to play pranks on upperclassmen and was always ready to help classmates who were struggling in plebe gymnastics. Mike played the bag pipes in the USCC Pipes and Drums (P&D) Corps all four years, sometimes annoyingly while practicing or goofing off. The P&D Corps traveled a lot around the Northeast giving performances. At one parade in Vermont, the head of the parade committee was astonished that the fellows wore kilts. He thought they were getting a fife and drum corps and wasn’t going to let them march. Mike’s friendly personality and easy-going disposition enabled him to skillfully negotiate the Corps’ participation in the parade. He continued his gymnastics prowess on the corps squad Gymnastics Team during cow and firstie years. Mike also excelled in academics, graduating in the top quarter of the class. </p>
<p>Mike branched into the Military Police Corps, attending the MP Officer Basic Course at Fort McClellan, AL. His first assignment was at Fort Meade, MD, which he chose because it was close to home. Mike loved his family and visited his parents and siblings frequently. Mike resigned from active duty as a captain after serving his commitment and joined the Army National Guard to continue service to his country. </p>
<p>Mike was a people person, hence his civilian jobs as a human resource manager for Quaker/Pepsi Co., Raytheon, HRC ManorCare and International Hotel Group. He was an exceptional leader in both his military and civilian positions. He continued to rise through the ranks in the Guard. As a lieutenant colonel, he successfully commanded an MP battalion in Kuwait and Iraq in 2003 during the Iraq War. Mike retired in 2006 as a colonel after 28 years of service. Mike had two wonderful children: Stefanie and David. He was a veritable beach bum. Just about every summer vacation was at a beach on the New Jersey shore, Outer Banks, or Florida with his family and friends. While there he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, tossing the football, body surfing the waves and tanning. During one beach vacation he appointed himself the “Tan Caucasian Sun God,” despite being sun-burned as red as a lobster! He loved to play tennis and racquetball and could be found on one of those courts on any given day. He religiously watched the Wimbledon tournament every year. He wouldn’t shy away from a pick-up game of basketball either and loved to compare his March Madness picks with David’s choices. He loved football, specifically the Army Black Knights and the Philadelphia Eagles. He attended many Army-Navy games after graduation—Go Army, Beat Navy! Mike was not a complicated man. He loved the simple things in life like a beer, a glass of wine or a bourbon, any sporting event, rock and roll music, and concerts. He played a mean air guitar, piano or drums—it didn’t matter. He was a wonderful family man, spending as much time with Stefanie and David as possible. He was not, however, fashion minded. On a “Take Your Daughter to Work” day, when Stefanie was 7 years old, he dressed her in an adult-sized shirt and didn’t bother to brush her hair. The ladies in the office straightened all that up for him and more so for Stefanie. In 2013, Mike finally met the love of his life, Diane, and devoted the rest of his life to her. </p>
<p>Mike was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015. At first, he could manage it; but, as time passed, he needed more assistance. He finally succumbed to the disease and passed away on March 13, 2023 in a memory care home in Aliso Viejo, CA. Mike’s passion for family, service and all the good things in life are his legacy. His infectious smile, his strong will and his hearty laugh were his mark on life and the people around him. We can say “Well Done” about Mike’s course on earth. Be Thou at Peace, Colonel! </p>
<p><em>— Joe Pfanzelter, Family and Classmates</em></p>
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