Our Team
Bryan Bradford
Interim Chairman
US Army
Mike Mickus
Interim Vice-Chairman
US Marine Corps 1977-1983
Mike joined the US Marine Corps directly out of high school with the hopes of working on military aircraft. Mike completed his basic training at MCRD San Diego, California. He was then sent to Millington, Tennessee for aircraft A School. After A School, he was assigned to H&MS-26 Mag-26 Marine Corps Air Station Jacksonville, North Carolina. Mikes MOS was 6053 CH-53 Hydraulic Maintenance Specialist. During his enlistment he worked intermediate level maintenance on CH-53, CH-46 Huey and Cobra helicopters. Some other duties Mike was assigned to were Safety NCO, Tool Crib NCO, and (CDI) Collateral Duty Inspector. His requirements as a CDI were to inspect all hydraulic components before they were installed into the aircraft.
Mike did 3 deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, one of which was Operation Eagle Claw outside of Iran. During his deployments he was assigned to the USS Guadalcanal LPH-7, USS Saipan LHA2, and the USS Iwo Jima LPH-2 hydraulic departments to maintain readiness of the helicopters on board. Mike was stationed off the coast of Libya during a conflict where US Navy jets shot down two Libyan war planes. During one of his deployments he crossed the equator at 0° longitude 0* latitude earning him the right to be called a Golden Shellback. Although Mike never saw combat, he was always at the ready. Mike was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1983 at the rank of Sergeant E-5.
Throughout Mike's professional career he owned Carpentry by Mike Mickus, a construction company that built new homes and remodeled homes. He was a Project Manager for Work Place Integrators, where he supervised the installation of Steelcase furniture for major corporations. Mike worked for Cadillac Asphalt for 24 years and held the titles of Plant Operator, Heavy Equipment Specialist, Plant Safety Officer. He was responsible for all maintenance at the plant from ground level up to 125' in the air to the tops of the silos. Mike retired in 2022 and now enjoys spending his time with his wife of almost 40 years, his 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and has another grandchild due in May 2023.
Mike became involved with Veterans Connected at the end of 2020 after seeing what this organization does for the veterans in our community, he quickly knew he needed to be part of the team. He continues his service by bringing his extensive knowledge of construction, mechanics, and machinery to Veterans Connected with hopes of improving the lives of as many veterans as possible.
Andy Usborne
Secretary/Treasurer
US Navy 1976 - 1981
Andy serves as Secretary/Treasurer for Veterans Connected and is dedicated to connecting veterans and families to resources within the community. He also mentors active duty service personnel who are transitioning out of the military and into civilian life, focusing on job search and navigating corporate life.
Andy has spent the last 30+ years with Honeywell Inc. serving as a Field Service Engineer, Field Service Manager, Contract Manager, and currently as a Service Operations Leader.
Andy was an Interior Communications Electrician serving with Amphibious Squadron 3 aboard USS Mobile (LKA-115) home-ported in San Diego, CA. After six years and 2 WESTPAC deployments, he was honorably discharged. Andy then joined the Naval Reserves for 1 year aboard USS George Phillip (FFG-12).
Andy holds an Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology from Long Beach City College and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University.
Andy and his wife Mary Shawn have 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren and reside in Brighton, MI.
Brandyn Mickus
Board Member
US Army
Brandyn Mickus lives with his wife Sarah and 2 children in Brighton and has called Livingston County his home his entire life. Brandyn enlisted in the Michigan Army National Guard after high school where he found his passion to serve and lead in the Military Police Corps. Brandyn graduated top of his class and quickly deployed to Mosul, Iraq with the 144th MP Company, 210th Battalion, 177th MP Brigade in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006-2008 with the mission of training the Iraq Police, conducting combat patrols, raids, and maintaining order within the city. Brandyn held positions as a HMMWV gunner, breachman, and personal security detail for the platoon lieutenant and earned the Army Commendation Medal and Combat Action Badge for his actions throughout his tour. He was also Combat Life Saver (CLS) certified which held valuable during his deployment.
In the fall of 2008, Brandyn attended the Warrior Leadership Course (PLDC) at Ft. McCoy, WI, where he graduated first in his class and earned all 3 honorable course awards: The Commandant's Award, First Sergeants Award, and the Distinguished Honor Graduate.
Brandyn ended his 6 year military service with the rank of Sergeant E-5 NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) in 2011 with an honorable discharge and carried his experience and knowledge with him into civilian life working for the Department of Justice beginning as a correctional officer and ending as a Recreational Specialist.
Brandyn is a Disabled Veteran due to injuries sustained from blasts and explosions during his deployment. Upon utilizing the Veterans Affairs for treatment of his injuries he quickly saw the good and bad, and primarily the disconnect between standardized medicine and the service member to which he became an advocate for change. Having lost numerous battle buddies to suicide, suicide prevention is at the heart of his advocacy. Brandyn believes in living a life of impact, and being a Livingston County native, the mission of Veterans Connected speaks loudly to his heart and he is honored to continue to serve in his own community.
Barb Smith
Events Coordinator
Barb Smith has her degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. She has worked in many fields from adventure rope courses, leadership training, childcare, initiative training, Senior Citizen communities, team building, Special Needs children & adults and much more. Barb is the owner of Timeless Memories, Adventures & Events and also works with Veterans Connected with their events and fundraising.
Barb’s motto is to create adventures and events for everyone to enjoy; moving barriers as able; listening to what her customers are looking for and having fun. Helping everyone enjoy their time together through adventures whether it is big or small is what she does best. Her hopes for each person and group; she has a privilege of working with; is to develop lasting relationships, enjoy the experience and have memories that will last a lifetime.
Barb married David in 1997 and they welcomed Anna in 1998 and Mitchell in 2002. Son-in-Law David is an Army E4 Specialist veteran and Michigan National Guard Sergeant Veteran.
Barb is honored to serve veterans and their families through events with Veterans Connected.