By Vickie Denning, Communications Director
TVLC is filled with remarkable people. Because of the number and size of our services, we often miss out on meeting folks or having the opportunity to get to know them. Today we’ll meet Mike & Julie Muirhead.
About you?
Mike was born in Caribou, ME, not surprisingly the most northeastern city in the United States! The family moved frequently when Mike was young because his dad was a Hughes Aircraft Company technical representative to the Air Force. The family settled in Santa Ana, CA, when Mike was 11.
Julie grew up in La Mirada, CA. Julie spent time in the outdoors, with animals, crafting and reading books. Her family enjoyed annual summer road trips, exploring the United States in a VW pop-top camper. Julie grew up Lutheran, attending Grace Lutheran Church in Bell, CA where her mom was the organist.
Mike graduated Santa Ana Valley High School and attended Orange Coast College. He served 4 years in Marine Corps Aviation, working in Aviation Operations with CH-53 helicopters. Mike was able to see some of the world with the Marines doing tours in Okinawa and spending some time in South Korea. Mike then drove an ambulance and worked as a paid-on-call firefighter with the Orange County Fire Department. Mike has been with the Golder Ranch Fire District for the past 30 years as a Firefighter/EMT. He helped found their Wildland Fire Response Team, fighting fires as far away as North Carolina.
Julie graduated La Mirada High School and graduated Fullerton College, earning a degree in Travel Agency Management. She worked for AirCal and then American Airlines. You may have talked to Julie on the phone if your flight was cancelled or overbooked!
How did Mike and Julie meet?
Mike and Julie worked in Ride Operations at Knott’s Berry Farm while attending college. They were introduced by Julie’s then-boyfriend! Once Mike completed his service with the Marine Corps they were married at Big Bear Lake, CA. They moved to Tucson in 1991 when American Airlines relocated its regional office here.
Mike and Julie have 2 daughters, who were raised in the TVLC family. Katie is employed by the Bear Canyon Mail Depot. Emily is starting her senior year at Loyola University in Chicago, majoring in Theatre.
Hobbies?
Julie loves to read, especially historical fiction which fits well with her volunteer work in the TVLC Library. She has volunteered with Christian Youth Theater (CYT) as the “props mistress.” Julies loves animals and has been a feline foster with FAIR/Claws & Paws Rescue for 19 years and for many years was a licensed agent for a wildlife rehabilitator. Julie’s hidden talent was being a mechanical bull rider back in the day!
Mike enjoys woodworking and reading, especially military history or science fiction. He volunteers in the TVLC Library and uses his valuable knowledge as a member of the Risk Management Team. He uses his not-so-hidden talent to design and build sets as the Technical Director for CYT and other Tucson theater companies. Mike has an “arsenal of Dad Jokes” at the ready.
Pets?
Mike and Julie currently have 7 cats and 1 dog, all rescues.
Favorite TVLC memories?
Julie’s favorite memories at TVLC include helping with Sunday School, VBS, Children’s Christmas programs, and daughter Emily’s Puppet Ministry and attending Saturday evening worship services. Mike’s favorite memory is accompanying 6 TVLC high school students to the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans.
Have you enjoyed getting to know Mike and Julie a little bit better? Can I share your story? I’d love to hear from you! Contact VickieDenning@tvlc.org
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