This Veterans Day, the Renewable Fuels Association kicks off an occasional series looking at military vets in the ethanol industry. The U.S. corn ethanol industry continues to stand out for its employment of military veterans, according to the United States Energy & Employment Report released in August by the U.S. Department of Energy. Veterans make up 16 percent of the ethanol industry workforce, which is three times the national private sector workforce average and 60 percent higher than in the petroleum fuels industry. RFA’s Veterans for Renewable Fuels was created to recognize the tremendous contribution of military veterans in the U.S. ethanol industry and provide these American heroes opportunities to come together and support each other in their careers and personal lives. Click here to learn more.
Mike W. Sandel, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, spent two decades serving his country before transitioning to a new role in ethanol production. Serving from January 2001 to January 2021, Mike held various positions within the Corps, from Aviation Ordnance Specialist to First Sergeant. His deployments included multiple combat tours supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005 to 2008, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2014. Mike also took on a critical leadership role as a Detachment Commander for U.S. embassy duty, stationed in Zambia and Cambodia from 2010 to 2013.
Today, Mike is the Maintenance Manager at Aztalan Bio, where he has found a rewarding new chapter in his career. Reflecting on his journey from military service to ethanol production, Mike shares, "Aztalan leadership is the reason ethanol has been such a solid landing for me. Their respect for veterans and emphasis on teamwork create a can-do work environment that encourages fresh ideas and out-of-the-box thinking." Veterans, he notes, bring invaluable qualities like integrity, leadership, and resilience—strengthening the Aztalan team and fostering a unified mission.
Beyond his professional life, Mike’s passions include drag racing, which he’s loved since childhood, along with woodworking and restoring old furniture. He’s also a dedicated father of two daughters, ages 15 and 12, who keep him and his wife happily on their toes.
A Memorable Moment in Service: Mike’s career is filled with countless impactful experiences. He recalls his first deployment to Iraq, saying, "As soon as we landed, I realized two things: the enemy is very real, and Iraq can get surprisingly cold. Our arrival in an open truck exposed us to sleet – a painful but unforgettable welcome."
Details:
Dates of Service: 9 January 2001 – 31 January 2021
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Military Occupational Specialties: 6541 Aviation Ordnance (12 years), 6531 Aviation Ordnance (4 years), 8999 First Sergeant (4 years)
Combat Tours/Duty locations:
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: January 2005 – January 2006
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: February 2007 – August 2007
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: March 2008 – November 2008
- Detachment Commander (Embassy Duty): 2010 - 2013, Zambia and Cambodia
- Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan): June 2014 – December 2014
