Mike Durbin enlisted in Marine Corps on 23 July 1982, shipped to boot camp on 5 Dec. 1982, and stayed the full 21 years retiring on 31 July 2003 at the rank of Master Sergeant. Assigned as a KC-130 loadmaster and flying more than 6,000 flight hours, he would travel the world touching 6 of the 7 continents almost making it to the 7th: Antarctica. He PCS’d every 3 years normally in the Fall and was not stationed at the same place twice except Okinawa where he was sent 3 times for a total of 1/5th of his career. His awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal with a Silver Star. He also has many "I was there” awards in the form of Campaign and Expeditionary Medals resulting from Northern Watch (twice), Desert Shield/Storm, Kosovo and a Humanitarian Service Medal for running multiple loads of aide to South Carolina after hurricane Hugo.

Mike has served as Newport Post 8986 Quartermaster for 7 years, Post Commander for a year, Pup Tent 254 Seam Squirrel for a year and has been in the district chairs for the last 5 years, currently sitting as the Commander of District 4. He has also been appointed as National Aide De Camp (2x).

Mike currently works for NAVAIR at Fleet Readiness Center East on MCAS Cherry Point supporting Naval Aviation Acquisition and Sustainment. He rides with fellow combat veterans and Comrades in a club named the Combat Veterans of America Motorcycle Club. He has three grown, successful children and one grandchild and he lives with his best friend, soulmate and puzzle piece, Jaymie Hayes, and their dog Scoot.