Constituent Services
Contact the GovernorFirst Gentleman Mike Gregoire
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First Gentleman Mike Gregoire. |
His daughters will tell you he is the calm, easy-going history buff who spent countless hours carting them from soccer practice to piano lessons, from ballet to church groups. He is the best backpacking companion, one patient gardener and the ultimate dessert chef. Around the Gregoire dinner table, he is the one who will goad others into a heated debate and then recline in his chair calmly taking in the scene.
Mike Gregoire was born and reared in Everett, Washington. His mom taught elementary school in the Everett school district for 35 years. His father worked as a private contractor and union carpenter. A graduate of Everett High School over 40 years ago, Mike remains connected to many of his high school friends — he and his football buddies regularly get together for an Everett poker game. More below >
Mike graduated from the University of Washington with a history degree in 1968. While student teaching at a Seattle high school his final year, he considered pursuing a career as a teacher. During finals week of his senior year, Mike received his draft notice. While his classmates celebrated their graduation day, Mike began basic training at Fort Lewis.
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Mike Gregoire at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D. C., on Veteran's Day 2007, reading the names of those killed in the Vietnam War. |
After completing field artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Mike was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the air defense artillery corps. He then served a tour of duty as a platoon leader and convoy commander with the “Delta Express” in the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam.
Upon returning to Washington, Mike met Chris in September 1971 when they were both working for the Department of Social and Health Services. For their first date, Mike packed a picnic lunch and took Chris on a hike. After several hours of wandering, Chris realized they were lost, and started wondering if Mike’s navigational skills had been left behind in the Delta. Three years later, however, Mike navigated Chris perfectly down the wedding aisle. He and Chris have two adult daughters: Courtney, an attorney, and Michelle, a recent college graduate. Both have jobs in government.
For the next 30 years, Mike worked as a health care investigator for the state of Washington. Retiring in July 2003 has not slowed him down one bit. He harvests a bumper crop of tomatoes, lettuce and green beans; stays active in his local parish; and fits in a golf game every now and again.
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Mike Gregoire and the Gregoire's two-year-old Shiba Inu dog “Trooper.” |
Mike’s service in the military spurred a lifelong commitment to veterans’ affairs. He is particularly concerned about the effects of Agent Orange, and Veterans’ mental health issues. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America. As Washington’s First Gentleman, or "First Mike" as he prefers to be called, he tours the state to meet with veterans and active military personnel. He lobbies the Governor over dinner on veterans’ issues and is committed to making sure our state lives up to its commitments to our servicemen and servicewomen.
Mike Gregoire is an advocate for children’s literacy. As a parent, Mike recognizes the importance of reading with children. He also knows that strong reading skills prepare young people for academic success and a lifelong love of learning. Mike travels across the state to visit schools and libraries. He reads to elementary school students and thanks teachers, principals and librarians for their good work. He has visited nearly 100 elementary schools, at least one in each of the state’s 39 counties. Click here to see all the schools Mike has visited.
