Mike Belding graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 1981 and attended Penn State University.  Upon graduation in 1985 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served nearly three decades as an aviation officer, strategic planner and analyst retiring as a Colonel in 2012.

Throughout his career he flew helicopters and commanded a squadron and Marine Aircraft Group. His Joint assignments include service at the United States Transportation Command, the Joint Force Headquarters, National Capital Region and at the Institute of National Strategic Studies, National War College, Washington, D.C.  Providing a unique perspective, his experience includes living in 11 different communities within the United States and visiting 42 foreign countries.

Mike holds a B.S. in Agriculture Science from Penn State University, an M.A. in Management from Webster University and a M.S. in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University, Washington D.C.   He is a member of the American Legion and Lifetime Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.