Red vs Blue Mitch
I’ve always leaned toward being financially cautious while believing in fairness for others. My military career began in 1987, during the Reagan years, when I joined the Navy. Over the next 22 years of active duty, I served on three Trident submarines, handling nuclear weapons and completing 16 deterrent patrols. When I wasn’t underwater, I was teaching future commanding officers or working at the Strategic Weapons Facility, where I was proud to be named Sailor of the Year and promoted to Chief Petty Officer.
After retiring from active duty, I transitioned into civilian life as the Director of Security and Law Enforcement, managing over 670 personnel at one of the Navy’s largest installations. I’ve held roles such as Chief of Police, Antiterrorism Officer, and Emergency Management Operations Section Chief, earning a few accolades along the way.
When I officially retired in 2023, I knew it was time to focus on family. But as I settled into this new chapter, I couldn’t help but reflect on the current political climate. Moving to an area with more progressive views made me see just how polarized things had become. It got me thinking—why not use my experiences to help bridge the gap?
Now, I plan to share stories and perspectives from both sides of the political spectrum. Through GenXRetired.com, I’ll explore viewpoints with the aim of fostering greater understanding—whether you’re on the left or the right of the issues. It’s not about picking sides; it’s about recognizing that there’s more to the story when you take the time to listen and learn from the experiences of others.