Michael Shannon

Michael Shannon is a proud U.S. Navy veteran whose remarkable journey of service, sacrifice, and strength has inspired all who meet him. Born with a deep sense of purpose and shaped by the example of a beloved uncle who raised him, Michael joined the Navy immediately after high school with the dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. After qualifying for BUD/S and completing multiple specialty schools, he was assigned to a SEAL team unit at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia.

Michael served with distinction in Operation Desert Storm, and his team would go on to deploy to several global conflict zones including Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Mogadishu, and Afghanistan. Over the course of his military service, he was awarded three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer before a severe knee injury led to an honorable discharge and the end of his active duty career.

Following his military service, Michael transitioned into the Oil & Gas industry and served as a volunteer firefighter, continuing his commitment to service. After starting a family in Houston, he pursued higher education, earning a double bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Management Information Systems from the University of Houston, graduating Cum Laude. During this time, he also founded the Bauer School of Business Veterans Group, a support network for fellow veteran students that remains active today.

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey became a pivotal moment in Michael’s life. While helping to rescue families and clean flood-damaged homes, he unknowingly developed a life-threatening infection due to a foot injury exacerbated by diabetes. This began a painful, four-year medical journey resulting in multiple surgeries and ultimately, the amputation of both legs below the knee.

Despite the hardship, Michael remained active in his community, especially as a dedicated Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo volunteer, supporting youth through scholarships and mentorship. In 2022, his second amputation came unexpectedly, presenting new challenges for both his physical health and his family life. Though equipped with prosthetics, he faces daily limitations that make everyday activities—like cooking, attending his daughter’s events, and participating in community service—difficult or impossible from a manual wheelchair.