Page 34 - FDCCFlyer_Spring2024

FDCC News
30 spring | federation flyer www.thefederation.org
At the very outset of
the Winter Meeting in
St. Petersburg, Florida
Brigadier General
Michael I. Neil (aka,
"The General") was
presented with
the FDCC Lifetime Achievement
Award based on the many amazing
accomplishments of his life and
legal career. To no one’s surprise a
standing ovation followed.
It is the Federation’s intent with
the Lifetime Achievements
Award to honor extraordinary
individuals who are above and
beyond in every facet of their
professional and personal life and
recognized as a giant in their legal
community, the Federation, and
the greater community at large.
The recipient must embody the
core values of our Federation—
knowledge, justice, professionalism,
and fellowship. The Lifetime
Achievement Committee measures
these criteria against not only all
other exceptional lawyers within
the Federation, but also those
outside of it. This is not intended
to be an award exclusively for
Past-Presidents although many
are no doubt deserving. Each year
the Lifetime Achievement Award
Committee considers a number of
nominations submitted from the
membership at large.
The General graduated from San
Diego State University in 1962 with
a B.A. degree in Pre-Law, and an
L.L.B. degree from Boalt Hall School
of Law, University of California at
Berkeley, in 1966. Upon graduating
from law school, he committed to
become an Officer in the Marine
Corps, but only on the condition
that he be a combat soldier and not
a lawyer setting behind a desk.
After completion of Officer
Candidate School at Quantico, VA,
Mike was commissioned a second
lieutenant and upon graduation
ordered to the 1st Marine Division
for duty in the Republic of Vietnam.
He served as a platoon commander
with Company D, 15th Battalion,
7th Marines in Vietnam and was
the recipient of the Purple Heart
for wounds received in action. He
later received the Navy Cross as a
result of his courage and heroism in
combat which is the highest honor
given by the U. S. Military second
only to the Medal of Honor. It is
certainly no surprise to any of us
that Mike Neil answered the call of
duty when his country needed him
most.
Perhaps as much as we identify the
General as a Marine, he is also a
proud Irishman, with both parents
being of Irish descent. Mike served
as President of the Friendly Sons
of St. Patrick, and was named
Irishman of the Year by the Nice
MIKE NEIL HONORED
WITH FDCC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Todd A. Roberts
Left to Right: Clarke Hudson and "The General"
by Todd A. Roberts