Michael Neulander (MNeulander)'s Info

Recently graduated with a Masters in Humanities degree from Old Dominion University reading in philosophy and history. I graduated from the Univ. of Miami in 1980 with a B.A. in Political Science; specializing in Soviet and Chinese foreign policy. I minored in art history. I was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Regular Army in 1980.

I Moved to Newport News Virginia in 1986 while stationed at Ft. Eustis. Previous assignments include; 9th Infantry Div. Ft. Lewis WA, 45th Trans 'Flying Tigers' Republic of Korea, Chief of Maintenance Operations Branch Ft. Eustis (this was the branch that taught all Army aircraft maintenance officers.)

I served in the Gulf War Aug. 90-May-91 as a helicopter pilot and Aircraft Production Control Officer in the 1st Cavalry Division.

I received the Bronze Star Medal for aerial combat actions in the Gulf War, Southwest Asian service medal w/3 bronze battle stars, Liberation of Kuwait decoration from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Liberation of Kuwait decoration from Kingdom of Kuwait, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. Other decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Accommodation Medal w/ 1 oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, and Senior Army Aviator Badge.

I received early retirement from the Army and transferred to the Independent Ready Reserves as a Major in Sept. 1992. I have made a life long study of military history and political philosophy. I believe in an 'activist' foreign policy for America.

Interests:

I read in philosophy, political science, history and biography. I am particularly interested in Continental philosophy, hermeneutics, virtue ethics, communitarianism, Confucianism, and philosophy of art. Historically interested in Chinese history, the Mughal empire, the Greco-Roman era, the American Revolution and its immediate political aftermath and world history from 1870-1920. I collect books (about 3,000 thus far), Roman coins, stamps, cameras, WWI medals, old stocks and bonds. I enjoy smoking fine cigars; Avos and Arturo Fuentes are my favorites. Drinking single malt scotch, Lagavulin and Laiphroag are my favorites. I have also acquired a taste for Grand Champaign cognac and vintage port with stilton cheese.