In the December 2015, MSWG newsletter (Turners Talk), the following was shared about Mike and his Lifetime Member Award.

Eight years ago, Mike joined the Mid South Woodturners Guild. He inherited a Craftsman lathe from
his dad and a desire to carry on a tradition of woodturning. After the first meeting, Mike was hooked.
The Craftsman was quickly replaced by Jet and Powermatic lathes. He has continued to improve his
skills attending the TAW, AAW, and Irish Woodturners symposiums along with a host of workshops led by professional turners. Mike quickly surpassed the pens crafted by his dad but attributes his improvement to club members and demonstrators who generously shared their knowledge. He served on the board for several years and won several awards from the AAW for the club's newsletter and website. Mike was humbled by being recognized as an Honorary Lifetime member of The Mid South Woodturners Guild and proudly displays the platter presented to him.