Mike Byer is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, OIF/OEF veteran, musician, and songwriter who has dedicated his life to serving those who serve. Over a 21-year military career, Mike held numerous leadership positions, including Drill Sergeant and Senior Small Group Leader at the John W. Kreckel NCO Academy, and spent 14 years with the Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). His service included deployments to Operations Desert Storm (Southern Watch), Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Among his many honors, Mike has been awarded two Bronze Stars, Five Meritorious Service Medals, the Order of Saint Michael for his contributions to Army Aviation, and induction into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
After retiring from active duty, Mike turned to music as a means of healing and connection, founding Sounds of Acoustic Recovery (SOAR), a nonprofit that helped veterans with post-traumatic stress through learning guitar. That mission of healing through music ultimately led him to Operation Song, where he now serves as Executive Director. Under Mike’s leadership, the organization has written over 2,500 songs across the United States, preserving stories of service and sacrifice from every generation; from World War II to the present day.
A father, husband, and Operation Song alumnus himself, Mike brings authenticity and compassion to every aspect of the organization’s mission. His vision is clear: to bring veterans home, one song at a time.
