Michael Thomas Embrich
Michael Embrich | |
|---|---|
 Official VA Photo | |
 Policy Advisor to the 11th Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
| Appointed by | President Joe Biden |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Rutgers University (BA) (MA) |
| Awards | Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Citation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Battle E, Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal.... |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} United States |
| Branch/service |  Navy |
| Years of service | 2000-2004 |
| Battles/wars | OEF OIF |
Michael Thomas Embrich is an American public policy professional, veteran, writer, and military historian. Known for his contributions to veterans’ advocacy and government communications.Embrich has served in
various capacities across federal, state, and local government, as well as in the private sector. A member of the Democratic Party, he writes as a columnist for Rolling Stone.[1] He is applauded for covering the 2025 United States federal mass layoffs.
Embrich is the author of March On: A Veterans Travel Guide. His career has spanned roles as a communications strategist, veterans' advocate, and author, with a focus on policy reforms to benefit military veterans and their families.
Early Life and Education
Michael Thomas Embrich was born in Bayonne, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Political Science. Embrich's early experiences growing up in Bayonne, a city with three Medal of Honor recipients, influenced his passion for military history and veterans’ issues.[2]
Military Service
Embrich is a Navy veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.[3]
Beyond his active service, Embrich continued to contribute to national security and defense-related efforts in a civilian capacity. He was awarded the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal for his work supporting military operations.[4]
Career
Government Service
Embrich’s government career includes leadership roles in the New Jersey General Assembly, the U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.[5][6][7]
At the state level, Embrich held senior roles in the New Jersey General Assembly, including as Chief of Staff. He was instrumental in crafting and lobbying for the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and contributed to President Obama’s Zero Veterans Homelessness initiative in New York City.[8]
In national politics, Embrich served as a policy advisor to the Kamala Harris campaign for Military and Veterans Affairs, helping shape policies aimed at improving support systems for veterans and military families.[9][10]
Writing and Advocacy
Embrich is a columnist for Rolling Stone and has authored numerous articles for publications such as Military Times[11], Army Times, and Government Executive[12]. His writing often focuses on veterans' issues, military policy, and public affairs.
Veterans Advocacy
Embrich’s advocacy includes initiatives to improve veterans’ access to education, mental health resources, and employment opportunities.[13] His work has spanned critical issues such as improving VA healthcare, expanding educational opportunities through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and defending veterans' rights against political efforts to dismantle essential services.[14] Embrich has been a vocal opponent of Project 2025, warning about its potential to strip veterans of disability benefits and privatize the VA.[15] Through op-eds in Rolling Stone, Task & Purpose, and other major publications, he continues to hold leaders accountable and ensure that veterans’ voices are heard in national policy debates.[16]
Personal Life
Michael Embrich lives with his family in New Jersey. He continues to engage in public service, veterans’ advocacy, and writing.
References
- ↑ "Michael Embrich". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ "Alumnus Michael Embrich Advocates for U.S. Veterans While Giving Back to RU-N". Rutgers SAS-Newark. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ Journal, Charles Hack/The Jersey (2008-07-05). "Bayonne vet helps pass law to give more vets more tuition aid". nj. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ Journal, David Mosca | The Jersey (2023-10-10). "Bayonne Navy Veteran awarded for service during the pandemic". nj. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ "Michael Embrich". Defense One. 2024-01-11. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ "Corps of Engineers Converts NYC's Javits Center Into Hospital". U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ "Michael Embrich tapped by VA Secretary for Advisor Role". Insider NJ. Archived from the original on 2022-08-07. Retrieved 2025-01-23.
- ↑ Takahashi, Paul (2009-08-05). "Bayonne HS graduate and Iraq War veteran helps push funding for Post-9/11 GI Bill". nj. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ "Bayonne's Own Mike Embrich Gets Out the Military Vets' Vote for Harris in Battleground Pa. - Insider NJ". Insider NJ. 2024-11-04. Archived from the original on 2024-12-04. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ "Robert De Niro Crashes NFL Tailgate Ahead of Eagles Game to Lobby for Kamala Harris: 'Eagles Tailgate Silver Lining'". People.com. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ Embrich, Michael (2023-09-14). "Ramaswamy's plan to fire 300,000 veterans is reprehensible". Military Times. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ "Michael Embrich". Government Executive. 2024-07-09. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ Reporter, Sophie Clark Live News (2024-11-11). "Experts raise Project 2025 warnings about veteran care". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ "'It's dangerous': Ex-military adviser slams 'reckless' GOP tactics in key swing state - Raw Story". www.rawstory.com. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ Mathis, Joel; published, The Week US (2024-11-21). "The political latitude of Musk's cost-cutting task force". theweek. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ↑ Lehrfeld, Jonathan (2024-07-24). "How would Project 2025 impact troops and veterans?". Military Times. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
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