Page 8 - Fall Winter 2023 FINAL FILE FOR WEBSITE USE

Spotlight on Alumni

Michael Swimm, Class of 1980

By Richard Nickerson, ‘81

Like many people who grew up in the County and now
live in Southern Maine, I am constantly asked where I
grew up. When I say Houlton, it always gets a positive
reaction. I have had many business owners tell me how
much they love to hire people from the County. They
claim that people who grew up in the County have
a strong work ethic and value system. I would have
to agree. Mike Swimm, ‘80 is one of the many who
embodies those County values.

Following graduation, Mike worked at local farms and
sawmills. In 1984 he married Sheri Wilkins, ’82. They
have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. In 1988, after
working as a farmhand and truck driver for several
farmers in the area, he started a job with the Maine
Dept. of Agriculture as a produce inspector. He was
promoted to consumer protection inspector in 1999
where he performed food safety as well as weights and
measures inspections throughout the state. In 2020
he was again promoted, this time to a management
position.
In 2011, Mike became a registered Maine guide and
had the opportunity to guide with a local outfitter who
offered guided hunts to disabled veterans from around
the country. Since then, the outfitter has started a non-
profit organization, the Veterans Afield Foundation. is a bonus, but the true healing and bonding among
Mike has been playing what he modestly calls a small the veterans happens around the dinner table and the
role. campfire. I have met some of our country’s true heroes
and have been truly humbled to have had the honor to
For several weeks each year, he helps guide bear, get to hang out with them.”
moose, and upland game hunts for these veterans too,
who he proudly calls some of the country’s true heroes. House in the Woods, an outdoor retreat program that
He has been helping to guide these hunts since 2013 honors veterans and their families, had this to say
and says he will continue to do so as long as they will about Mike:
allow him to be a part of it. ...a shining example of the heartwarming generosity

within our community. In 2022, he opened his cabin
“We have 6 to 8 disabled veterans in camp at a time,
most of whom have not met each other before arriving. doors to our veterans during a House in the Woods moose
Watching them begin to bond with each other from retreat. This not only lowers retreat costs, allowing us
the first day to becoming great friends by the end of the to do more for our veterans, but also lets experienced
week is nothing short of a miracle to witness. Hunting volunteers like Mike contribute their expertise.

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