Meat the Veteran: Michele Bechtold

Michele Bechtold didn’t take a direct route into military service. By the time she enlisted in the U.S. Army, she was twenty-four years old and already working full-time. Growing up in a low-income household, she saw the Army as a way to build a stable future, challenge herself, and see more of the world. Her decision set the course for nearly seven years of service, including overseas assignments in Germany and Panama.

In the Army, Michele trained as a Dial Central Office Repair Technician, where she worked on telephone switching systems used with rotary phones. Her training lasted nine months, and she was one of only two women in a class of 36. She worked hard and finished with the highest scores in both the midterm and final evaluations.

Military life brought her into contact with people from all over the country and around the world. Michele was raised in Portland in a working-class neighborhood, mostly around people just like herself. Her career in the Army taught her how to work with people from all over the U.S. and function as part of a diverse team.

She left the Army as the telecom industry began shifting, so her military skills did not transfer directly to civilian life. Instead, she used the GI Bill to earn an associate degree in electronics technology. That education opened a door into maintenance work at silicon manufacturing plants.

Michele now lives in Hope Village, a senior community in Canby. She utilizes her leadership skills on the residents' association board and serves on the emergency preparedness team. She helps organize efforts that support her neighbors and keeps a sharp focus on what it means to stay connected and ready. Her time in the Army built habits of discipline, communication, and follow-through — qualities that now support those around her.

Michele encourages young men and women to think carefully about what enlistment means. During her service, the country wasn’t at war. That’s not always the case today. Still, for those who want to grow, travel, and build a future, she believes the military can offer real opportunities.

Michele Bechtold met the challenge with commitment. Her service continues — now shaped by her steady involvement in her local community. She views service as something that extends beyond a uniform. It lives on in how people show up for one another. Through small acts of leadership and care, Michele continues to build the kind of strong, cooperative environment she once relied on during her years in the military.

Know a local veteran we should feature? Contact Active Media today — donovan@activemediausa.com or 503-825-2111.