Michael Burke was Born on September 4, 1949 and raised in Wyandanch, New York located on Long Island where he resided for 24 years.  He graduated from Wyandanch Memorial High School in 1968.  Upon his graduation, he worked at Chase Manhattan Bank in Manhattan for a short stint before being drafted into the United States Army in April of 1969.

 During his time in the Army, he was sent to Vietnam in October of 1969. While on tour there, he was wounded twice, once in Vietnam and again in Cambodia on May 8, 1970 which ended his tour.  After being injured in Cambodia, he spent one week in the hospital in Vietnam, month at the hospital in Japan and finally six months recuperating at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC.  He received two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star with "v” device, Army Commendation Medal with "v” device for heroism, Vietnamese Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Conspicuous Service Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal.

 Upon his retirement from the Army he met his lovely wife Juana and married on October 13, 1973 and has been married for the past 43 years. At this time, Michael decided to go to college where he enrolled at Sullivan County Community College. There he received an Associate Degree in Business Administration. He then transferred to Marist College to continue his education. Michael then worked at IBM where he retired after 24 years of service.   

Michael joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Vail Wolff/McKenna Frye Post 170 in Poughkeepsie, New York. There he was elected to and held the offices of Surgeon, Senior Vice Commander and was Post Commander for the years 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2010-2011 and 2013-2014. Michael made the All-State Team for Post Commanders in 2007-2008. Subsequently transferred to Joseph C. Hassett Post 686 in High Falls, New York. 

He also held the office of Junior Vice Commander on the VFW Dutchess County Council for 2 years. Michael was then elected to District Junior Vice Commander in 2008, District Senior Vice Commander in 2009 and the prestigious office of District Commander in 2010-2011. He was Assistant Inspector General 2012-2013, State Patriotic Instructor 2013-2014, State Chief of Staff 2014-2015, State Jr. Vice Commander 2015-2016, State Sr. Vice Commander 2016-2017 and presently he is the State Commander. He has served on the Veterans Service committee for 4 years and membership committee for 5 years.  

 Michael and his wife reside in Poughkeepsie, New York where they raised their five children Jayne, Michelle, Melissa, Michael Jr., and Marland.