Mike Thiessen grew up in a household focused on education. He excelled in his early schooling in Kansas City and stood out as a talented basketball player. Heavily recruited by prominent big-conference colleges, Thiessen accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduated in 1969.

"I could have gone virtually anywhere, but my criteria - besides playing on a Division I team - was to obtain a high-quality education and serve our country. I wanted to honor my father, along with his cousin and best friend, the man for whom I am named, who perished in World War II not far from where my father was serving," recalled Thiessen. "I was raised with this ethos, so USAFA was the best choice for me. I still pinch myself for the opportunities it presented. Even though the Academy was quite small, it was a perfect fit for me and had a huge, positive impact."

He began his Air Force service as an information officer. After obtaining a law degree from Stanford, he became a judge advocate general. He attributes his admission to Stanford Law School to the strength of the Academy, its uniqueness in producing goal-oriented, mature graduates and the recommendations of USAFA faculty. In 1978, he began working in private law practice. However, he served as an academy liaison officer for USAFA for the next two decades.

His return to Kansas City was also a homecoming for his wife, Nancy, who had attended college in Denver to be closer to Thiessen when he was a cadet. "I was happy to be in Colorado near Mike and could see the close relationships he developed with his classmates. As we moved through life together, those friendships became rich and broad," Nancy Thiessen said.

"USAFA means so much to me, and it has been rewarding to stay engaged with those who went through the journey together," added Mike Thiessen. "Last year, we hosted a mini-reunion of my doolie-year squadron."

Thiessen's legal practice has focused on sophisticated estate planning, advising clients on multigenerational planning and family-owned business transitions. He frequently offers his expertise to other USAFA graduates and has recorded an estate planning tutorial for the Air Force Academy Foundation. He and Nancy practice what they preach, naming the Foundation as the future recipient of a legacy gift through their estate.

"Giving back both time and treasure to support education is so very important," Mike Thiessen said. "Nancy and I are pleased to help the Academy, and we're proud that our three children all serve on their respective school boards. I'm willing to help other Zoomies, advising them on their legacy giving. The Foundation can match us up."

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Published Spring 2024