Michael Joseph Little is a nationally recognized advocate known for his unwavering commitment to raising awareness about military and veteran suicide, improving care for veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs, and addressing personnel-related issues affecting members of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. He currently serves as the National Executive Director of the Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association for the United States Coast Guard.
In recognition of his dedication to serving service members, veterans, and their families, Michael was named an Honorary Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard on May 17, 2022, an honor conferred by the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Jason Vanderhaden. On July 10, 2024, he was also named an Honorary Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy by the 16th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, James Honea, in recognition of his enduring support of Sailors and the Chief’s Mess. He was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel on September 27, 2022, a prestigious honor bestowed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Andy Beshear.
During the 94th Annual Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association Meeting, National President CWO4 Christian Westerdahl honored Michael with the rank of Honorary Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the United States Coast Guard.
Michael began his military career in the United States Navy, where he served for 18 years as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler). He served as a Plankowner aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Tarawa (LHA 1), and multiple additional commands throughout his active and reserve service. His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. He is also Air Warfare and Surface Warfare qualified.
Michael deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan as a Detention Operations Officer, serving under the Army’s 303rd Military Police Battalion in Iraq and the 16th Military Police (Airborne) Battalion in Afghanistan. For his work in detention operations, he received a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate as a Corrections Officer Journeyman Apprentice.
He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on January 23, 2021. After a successful correction of his military record by the Board for Correction of Naval Records and approval of Combat-Related Special Compensation, the Department of the Navy retroactively placed him on the disability retired list effective April 25, 2016, for combat-related disabilities incurred during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
A passionate advocate for veterans, Michael remains active in numerous Veteran Service Organizations. He is a Life Member of the Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association (ABMA), where he serves as National Secretary.
Michael deeply values time with his wife, Elizabeth, a retired Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard. Together they are the proud parents of two children: their son William, affectionately nicknamed “The Admiral,” and their daughter Mary, lovingly known as “The Commodore.”
He has served as Past Master of Polk Lodge No. 137, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is a 32nd Degree Mason in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a Noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, reflecting his strong commitment to faith, service, and community.
Born in Evansville, Indiana, and raised in McLeansboro, Illinois, Michael attended Rend Lake College and Western Illinois University.
His professional career has included service as a Veterans Legislation Analyst and Liaison for New York State Senator Mark Grisanti, assisting veterans throughout New York’s 60th District. During that time, he received the New York State Liberty Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the New York State Senate.
During the 2020 election cycle, Michael served as Director for Military and Veterans Engagement at the Republican National Committee, where he helped mobilize more than 80,000 veterans nationwide to participate in civic engagement and voter outreach efforts.
In addition to his advocacy work, Michael leads Sea Service Family Consulting and founded the Sea Service Family Foundation, organizations dedicated to supporting military families, veterans, and community initiatives.
He lives by the motto he learned through the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court: “Leave No Veteran Behind.”
In recognition of his dedication to serving service members, veterans, and their families, Michael was named an Honorary Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard on May 17, 2022, an honor conferred by the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Jason Vanderhaden. On July 10, 2024, he was also named an Honorary Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy by the 16th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, James Honea, in recognition of his enduring support of Sailors and the Chief’s Mess. He was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel on September 27, 2022, a prestigious honor bestowed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Andy Beshear.
During the 94th Annual Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association Meeting, National President CWO4 Christian Westerdahl honored Michael with the rank of Honorary Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the United States Coast Guard.
Michael began his military career in the United States Navy, where he served for 18 years as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler). He served as a Plankowner aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Tarawa (LHA 1), and multiple additional commands throughout his active and reserve service. His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. He is also Air Warfare and Surface Warfare qualified.
Michael deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan as a Detention Operations Officer, serving under the Army’s 303rd Military Police Battalion in Iraq and the 16th Military Police (Airborne) Battalion in Afghanistan. For his work in detention operations, he received a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate as a Corrections Officer Journeyman Apprentice.
He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on January 23, 2021. After a successful correction of his military record by the Board for Correction of Naval Records and approval of Combat-Related Special Compensation, the Department of the Navy retroactively placed him on the disability retired list effective April 25, 2016, for combat-related disabilities incurred during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
A passionate advocate for veterans, Michael remains active in numerous Veteran Service Organizations. He is a Life Member of the Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association (ABMA), where he serves as National Secretary.
Michael deeply values time with his wife, Elizabeth, a retired Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard. Together they are the proud parents of two children: their son William, affectionately nicknamed “The Admiral,” and their daughter Mary, lovingly known as “The Commodore.”
He has served as Past Master of Polk Lodge No. 137, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is a 32nd Degree Mason in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a Noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, reflecting his strong commitment to faith, service, and community.
Born in Evansville, Indiana, and raised in McLeansboro, Illinois, Michael attended Rend Lake College and Western Illinois University.
His professional career has included service as a Veterans Legislation Analyst and Liaison for New York State Senator Mark Grisanti, assisting veterans throughout New York’s 60th District. During that time, he received the New York State Liberty Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the New York State Senate.
During the 2020 election cycle, Michael served as Director for Military and Veterans Engagement at the Republican National Committee, where he helped mobilize more than 80,000 veterans nationwide to participate in civic engagement and voter outreach efforts.
In addition to his advocacy work, Michael leads Sea Service Family Consulting and founded the Sea Service Family Foundation, organizations dedicated to supporting military families, veterans, and community initiatives.
He lives by the motto he learned through the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court: “Leave No Veteran Behind.”
Honorary Titles
Board of Director Membership
Affiliated Organizations as a Wounded Warrior with PTSD
Affiliated Organizations (Lifetime Membership)
Affiliated Organizations (Yearly Membership)
Previous Affiliated Organizations
