Mike Brandow

Mike Brandow is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran, licensed clinical therapist, and dedicated veteran advocate whose commitment to service has continued long after his military career. Following three combat deployments to Iraq, Mike has devoted his professional life to supporting the mental health and well-being of others, particularly fellow veterans.

Mike served on active duty in the Marine Corps infantry from 2002 to 2006. His service included the initial invasion of Baghdad in 2003, the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, and additional operations in Fallujah in 2005. These experiences are an important part of his story, but equally significant is the work he has undertaken since leaving military service.

Today, Mike serves as Michigan Site Manager for Safeguard Veterans, a federal suicide prevention initiative, and as a clinical therapist at Westland Guidance Clinic in Saginaw. He is also the founder of Camp Valor Adventure Healing, which incorporates nature and outdoor activities into a therapeutic setting. Rather than focusing solely on recreation, Camp Valor uses outdoor experiences to support healing, connection, and mental well-being. His work reflects an understanding of the challenges veterans may face and a commitment to finding meaningful ways to support them.

Mike earned his Master of Social Work degree from Saginaw Valley State University in May 2026. During his graduate studies, he completed his second-year internship at SVSU's Mental Health and Wellness Center, an experience he continues to speak about with tremendous appreciation. He credits the center's staff and leadership with providing exceptional mentorship and valuable clinical experience that helped shape his professional development.

What distinguishes Mike is the way he has carried his commitment to service into every chapter of his life. He has combined his experiences as a combat veteran with his education and clinical expertise to help others navigate difficult circumstances. Whether through individual counseling, suicide prevention efforts, or the outdoor therapeutic experiences offered through Camp Valor, Mike continues to make a meaningful contribution to the veteran community.

Mike lives in University Center with his wife, Lauretta, a Northwoods Graduate, and their son, Saynt, who is senior at Valley Lutheran HS. With Lauretta having grown up in the area, the family considers the community home. They enjoy camping, hiking, boating, and watching their son play football and hockey. Mike represents the values of leadership, resilience, compassion, and service that distinguish exceptional veteran alumni. His dedication to improving the lives of others, his commitment to fellow veterans, and his connection to SVSU make him a deserving candidate for the Distinguished Veteran Alumni Award. His story is a reminder that military service may have an end date, but the commitment to serving others does not.

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