About
Honorable Michael Thomas Embrich
Former Policy Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Michael Embrich is a Navy veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, a former policy advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and a former congressional staffer. He has played a critical role in shaping veterans' policies and discussions at both the state and federal levels.
A native of Bayonne, New Jersey, Mr. Embrich enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from Bayonne High School in 2000 and served aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Citation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal, among others.
Following his military service, Mr. Embrich began a career in public service, taking on senior leadership roles, including as Chief of Staff. He was a key figure in crafting and lobbying for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and has spearheaded numerous legislative initiatives to improve veteran services nationwide.
Throughout his career, Mr. Embrich has been deeply involved in veterans’ advocacy, serving as the former State Commander of the New Jersey Catholic War Veterans and on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans. He has also volunteered on a Congressional and U.S. Senate Military Academy Nominations Panel for New Jersey, focusing on U.S. Naval Academy candidates. Additionally, he served on the Governor's Transition Team for military and veterans affairs.
Mr. Embrich has held executive roles in government communications, serving as Deputy Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army and as the U.S. Treasury Taxpayer Advocate for New Jersey.
A noted writer, Mr. Embrich is a columnist for Rolling Stone and has contributed to Military Times, Government Executive, Army Times, and Navy Times, covering military and veterans affairs.
Mr. Embrich holds a bachelor’s in history and a master’s degree in political science from Rutgers University. He has received multiple awards from the Army, Navy, and VA in recognition of his contributions to public relations, legislative affairs, and veterans' advocacy.
He resides in Bayonne, New Jersey, with his family.
Featured Work
March On: A Veterans Travel Guide
A first-hand account of some of the world’s most significant places for military personnel, veterans and civilians with a passion for military history to travel to, as seen through the eyes of US Navy veteran, world-traveler, writer and military researcher Michael Embrich. In a book that is part travelogue and part guide you’ll be introduced to veteran businesses, lesser known historical sites and stories of long forgotten heroes in more than two dozen places in the US and Europe. Each one is colored by Michaels' personal interactions and discoveries.
In his adventures Michael has traveled to some of the most significant American historical locations in the world. He has met veterans and interacted with them all over the US and Europe, from the private officers’ clubs in New York City to graveside mourners of war dead in Italy and Belgium. From the American-veteran Expats in Paris to banished, forgotten and deported American veterans in South and Central America to those who have started new careers and businesses, and some are doing amazing things and sharing their talents with the world. This book highlights Embrich’s favorite veteran - owned and operated establishments in cities around the U.S. and beyond. It also features necessary advice on how to live like the locals in dive-bar Veterans of Foreign Wars clubs and back-room American Legion halls where Presidents were made and punches were thrown, all without ending up on the receiving end of those punches. In addition to his favorite places and businesses, Embrich’s words tell an even deeper story of the men and women who risked all to fight for democracy abroad and for their brothers and sisters on the battlefield.
This book is also a bridge for the Military to Veteran metamorphosis. Embrich shows veterans that travel is not only living in a foxhole halfway across the world but a great way to get out and see the things you were fighting for. Perhaps a way to put aside the combat boots and travel on with life. It’s a journey, and like all journeys it begins with the first step.
For Active-Duty Military, veterans and civilian enthusiasts alike, March On: A Veterans Travel Guide gives readers a chance to walk in their steps, which is the ultimate sign of gratitude.
