Michael G. Meines

Dorrie Carr

214w ago

I was so shocked to hear that Mike had passed away. I worked with him at Madigan Army Medical Center for approximately 12 years, he as the Chief of Public Affairs and me as secretary for the Chief Dept of Medicine and the Executive Assistant to the Commanding General. I believe he was one of the best Public Affairs Officer in the Medical Command (MEDCOM). Tonight I retrieved a copy of the November 1996 "Madigan Mountaineer" I have kept because of an article about a dog rescue (his name was MAMC). I turned to the second page and there was Mike's column "Plus and Minu." In this one he reminisces about Carole and their relationship together while stationed in California - they loved each other so much. In 1996 Sharon Ayala was the Deputy Public Affairs Officer, SSG Todd Oliver was the NCOIC and Sherla Brockway worked in the office. I retired in 2003, but before retiring there was a period of three months that I needed to work in another area of the hospital. I had offers from a few departments, but Mike asked me to come and work for him because they were between secretaries. So Public Affairs is where I spent my last three months and I couldn't have been happier working there! The old Madiganites will miss you Mike!

Fred Mccarthy

215w ago

I remember Michael (Mike) Meines as one of the most effective camp counselors in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Summer Camping Program. I first met Mike in the1950s when were were campers in the program. Later, as a counselor, lodge leader, and director of CYO camps, I regularly saw his talent and skill and the memorable experiences he created in summer camp for the campers in his care. Mike was one of those counselors whose enthusiasm and quest for adventure created experiences for campers that for many lasted a lifetime.
He was presented with the prestigious Order of the Cross award as a counselor by J. Gordon (Gordie) Hamilton. This treasured award, and its presentation by the man who founded and led the camping programs in multiple CYO camps to greatness, was a source of life-long pride and loyalty to Mike. No one could match Mike in the leading of a particular campfire song that became his signature final campfire performance. The song was "Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport" and it was led with great enthusiasm, style, unmatched humor, and insight.
Mike was a Vietnam Veteran. He was an infantry soldier in Vietnam and wrote home to family and friends about having the Order of the Cross that he treasured on his person when he was in combat situations in Vietnam. After his military service, Mike became a motivational speaker and staff developer in customer service and human effectiveness.
Mike was in so many ways a survivor. He faced many challenges in his own life but he always exhibited a high degree of compassion and care for others. He remembered and affirmed people on social media regularly for the milestone accomplishments and for significant events in their lives.
Those of us who remember how effective he was can almost see him gathering people in Heaven around a campfire and enthusiastically leading them in singing. . . and as he begins to lead his signature song, with an astounding coordinated leap over the campfire, can still see the wide eyes of admiring campers and the memories he was able to create.
We all want to make a difference in the lives of others. Mike Meines made this kind of difference in the lives of both adults and children that were fortunate enough to be his students in management and campers at summer camp. May he rest In peace until we meet again someday.

Respectfully,
Fred McCarthy

Fred Mccarthy

215w ago

Respectfully,
Fred McCarthy

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