Blogging since January 2005 and on Twitter since September 2008, I am a military veteran who honorably served my country in different parts of the world with the last stop being in Montana.
I am a husband, a father of two, who attends church regularly. I am also a college graduate, and I have worked and volunteered on several political campaigns (local, state, national).
I have also been employed in various government positions (city, state and federal) as well as in the private sector. In my spare time, I enjoy watching sports, reading a good book, writing, and enjoying a fine glass of wine while visiting with friends around the fire.
Check out my profile on LinkedIn HERE. I will entertain job offers!
Just for fun, here are some questions that have been e-mailed to me over the years, with the answers:
Should I take your columns seriously?
Heck yes! I am trying to change the world here. Seriously, I’m one person, and I doubt that I can change the world much from this blog – but I try! One thing to remember: Normally six days per week and 52 weeks per year I give my opinion and commentary about issues that are important to me.
Are you a native Montanan?
Nope. I have lived here for about 30 years. I kind of like it. I enjoy making fun of the “native” Montana crowd.
What is your real name?
My parents gave me the name “Jackie Michael Brown” so that is my legal name. But my parents called me “Mike” most of my life (for some reason). My dad’s name is Jack. I was not called Jack or Jackie until I entered the military. So I have been called Mike, Jack, Jackie, Michael, and many other names I don’t care to mention. FYI – The movie “Jackie Brown” is not about me, although when I show an ID some people ask me about it. On that note, I am also not the Michael Brown who was the administrator of FEMA. I am not the Mike Brown who is a pro basketball coach, nor am I the Mike Brown who owns the Cincinnati Bengals.
I use J. Michael Brown as a pen name on some columns that I have written for other websites.
As the saying goes, “Call me anything you like, but don’t call me late for dinner.”
Are you the “Mike Brown” who worked for U.S. Senator Conrad Burns?
Yes. I volunteered on Burns’ 1994 re-election campaign to obtain some college credits, and I was hired for his professional senate staff in 1995. I was his field representative in North Central Montana from 1995-99 and was promoted to deputy state director in 1999. I was his deputy state director from 1999-2007. Click on the LinkedIn link (above) for more information about my career.
Cats or Griz fan?
I cheer for both. I attended and graduated from the University of Great Falls, now called the University of Providence.
What is Your Favorite Music?
I am a fan of Classic Rock – and no band is better than REO Speedwagon, period. I’ve seen REO live in concert about 20-25 times (yes, even in Montana) starting when I was 17. I’ve seen REO perform in Billings (twice) and in Three Forks where I got to meet the lead singer Kevin Cronin. I’ve seen them at the top of Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho. I’ve seen them in Great Falls, Montana, twice! I have seen them in different venues all across the Midwest.
What is your favorite sport?
Football! I bleed Kansas City Chiefs red and cheer against the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, and the Oakland Raiders, unless they are playing each other, then I cheer against the team that by losing will help my Chiefs.
Other questions? E-mail me at western_word@yahoo.com
THE RULES OF THE WESTERN WORD (TWW):
Comments on TWW: I enjoy comments, but I don’t allow much vulgarity and I don’t allow nasty name-calling. These things will get your comment deleted. I screen and approve all comments to keep this site at least rated PG.
My Politics: I write a lot about politics and I am not a member of any political party. I have friends who work for Republicans and Democrats. I have worked in the political world and know the good, the bad, and the ugly of politics more than most people.
Grammar/Punctuation: I don’t count off, nor will I slam you (too much) if you make a mistake, so please don’t pick on me. By the way, if you were like me and did not pay attention in High School, I found that several Vo-Techs, Colleges and Universities have people who get paid to teach these basic writing skills.
I Salute Veterans and Military Personnel: I served on active duty for many years and traveled around the world in the military, so these men and women are heroes in my eyes. A veteran always scores higher with me than non-veterans and wannabes.
Religion: I don’t like to debate religion because I feel religion is a personal decision. When I die, I am going to heaven. Are you? Everyone should have a relationship with Jesus Christ, period. (John 3:16)
Thanks for stopping by. Let’s have fun!
-JMB
You may contact Jackie M. (Mike) Brown directly at:
The Western Word 
