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Michael Montiel is a specialty farmer and veteran advocate. Mila Besich-Lira | Sun
Superior Sun
Michael Montiel graduated from Superior High School in 2001. Shortly after graduation Michael joined the Army and he was off to protect and defend not only his hometown of Superior but the United States of America. He served overseas, and was a soldier in the Iraq conflicts for 12 months and in Kosovo for 6 months.
Montiel left the service in 2005. When he returned to Arizona he used the GI Bill to return to school and earned his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in human communications. He quickly realized that often times there are not enough services for returning veterans who are transitioning into civilian life. He himself had many challenges that caused him delays in completing his degree. These experiences have inspired him to create a special non-profit called the Veteran Higher Education Initiative. This non-profit will evaluate the veterans services at each school and rank them according to their overall support for veterans and their specific needs.
But his advocacy for veterans and their needs reach farther than education. Montiel touched on a very serious issue affecting American veterans: the suicide rate amongst veterans and active duty members.
Like many returning Veterans, past and present, there are more injuries that cannot be seen than injuries that can be. Issues like social anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder are unseen injuries that often create additional setbacks for veterans as they return home from the conflict. The switch from the constant demands and routine of military life can also add to the uncertainty of life for America’s heroes. Those demands and unseen injuries often send veterans into deep depression and in many cases, the worst scenarios occur and a Veteran will commit suicide.
As part of his own need to raise awareness of this very serious issue, Montiel has added a memorial to his yard to bring awareness to the fact that 22 veterans and one active duty member commits suicide every day. Twenty-two white crosses adorned with flowers sit at the corner of Stone and Heiner Drive. Montiel is hoping that through his non profit, he can connect veterans with higher education institutions that will empower and support veterans.
A few months ago, one of his mentors told him that “things seem to be on the upswing in Superior” and he returned to Superior to relocate his organic gourmet mushroom growing business that he owns along with a business partner. The mushrooms are grown in his yard and sold to several four and five star restaurants in Scottsdale. Montiel plans to expand his business, develop his non-profit and get more involved with the community as he grows both businesses.
And Superior is glad to have Montiel back.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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