When Mike Cash graduated from high school, he felt he needed a plan for what came next. He desired to serve his country, honor those who came before him, and embrace new experiences, so joining the U.S. Navy —with its promised adventure, education, and discipline— was a “no-brainer.” A few months after graduation, he stepped into boot camp, setting sail on a journey that would span 21 years and take him worldwide. From the icy quiet of the North Pole to the bustling streets of Spain, Israel, and Turkey, Mike experienced cultures, built friendships, and learned invaluable lessons.
His role in the Navy revolved around food service, a trade he continued in civilian life. However, after a few years, he realized something was missing — his purpose. The transition from military to civilian work hadn’t been easy. He felt like a fish out of water and thus began his search for a career with meaning.
That’s when his then-girlfriend (now wife) introduced him to Peckham. She spoke passionately about how much she loved working there and how well he would fit in. At first, Mike was hesitant. He didn’t want it to seem like he got the job just because of her. But after some convincing, he applied.
In October 2016, Mike walked through the doors of Peckham, unsure of what to expect. He had no grand career plan—just a willingness to see where this road might lead. Within six months, he knew—this was home.
Peckham gave Mike something he had been missing since leaving the military — a sense of belonging, a team with a shared mission, and a way to serve others. Though no longer directly serving his country in uniform, he was now supporting those who were. Whether helping warfighters get the needed supplies or assisting wildfire teams battling relentless blazes, his work mattered.
His years in the Navy provided him with unique insight, especially into military lingo, ranks, and problem-solving. When others were stumped, Mike often had the answers. His experience wasn’t just valued—it was necessary.
Today, Mike considers Peckham more than a job. It’s his family. From the leadership to the call center staff, he’s found a community that looks out for each other. He said he doesn’t just work at Peckham; he feels that he’s a part of it.
Mike has had opportunities for upward mobility with a government position that others might have jumped at. But he hasn’t. He knows he belongs at Peckham and has no intention of leaving the place that has given him so much.
From a young sailor traveling the world to a team leader helping others every day, Mike has found what he had always been searching for: a purpose. And to him, that is everything.
