Michael Collins

A native of Learned, MS, Mike Collins was raised in Byram, MS. He joined the MS Army National Guard in October 2006 after graduating from Terry High School. Mike initially enlisted as a 31B (Military Police), planning to pursue a law enforcement career. In 2008 Mike volunteered to deploy to Iraq with the 890th Engineer Battalion as an 88M (Truck Driver). Having enjoyed that field so much in 2010, Mike attended 88M reclass course shortly after returning from Iraq.

Mike founded 5th Squad in 2016 with Lee Stringer and two others. The two founding members and half of the "First IV" were assigned to 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, headquartered at the time, in Laurel, MS. The two friends became very close and bonded over their love of sports (especially baseball and Mississippi State) and shared commitment to ensuring the camaraderie of their fellow service members was always maintained no matter where their service might send them. That was the original foundation of 5th Squad, but that quickly transformed into the mission it has become today.

Mike has served the nation and our state for going on 17 years and is currently assigned to the 1687th Transportation Company in Southaven, MS. While he continues his service in the MS Army National Guard and his work with 5th Squad, Mike is also a family man with a daughter named Carson who he and his wife welcomed on June 3rd, 2021. Mike and his wife Savannah have been together since 2014 and reside in Gluckstadt in the home they purchased shortly after their marriage in September of 2018.

When not busy with work, military obligations, or 5th Squad events, Mike can be found enjoying his hobbies which include golf, hunting, and grilling.