Name: Michael Cunningham

Military branch: US Navy

Years of service: 10 yrs from 1989-1998

Special recognition: Navy Achievement Medal

My Father served in the Navy during the Korean War and two of my great-uncles served in WWII

I was fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to serve in our Navy's Submarine Force. During my ten years of service, I was stationed on the USS Alabama SSBN 731 and the USS Groton SSN 694.  After my time at sea, I spent three years teaching at the Naval Submarine School in New London, CT. 

 

My favorite experiences were spent on the USS Groton. The missions on the fast attack submarine were very exciting.

I support numerous veteran charities. Some of my favorites are The Chateau Elan Military Support Foundation, Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society, & America's Service Dogs.

Michael & Jennifer Cunningham have been married for 32 years. They have lived in the Springs section of Sterling for 7 years. They have 2 grown kids - Brandon, who lives in Moody, Alabama, and Lindsay, who lives in Marietta, Georgia. The family is complete with their three dogs, Murphy, a coon hound, and two mini schnauzers Blitz and Krieger.

When we asked Michael about his favorite hobby, he replied “I’ve always had a passion for cars. It all started when I was a little kid watching my uncle race his funny car dragster. And it grew from there.” His first car was a 1982 GT Mustang. He now owns mustang number four and looking for number five. Why mustangs? He shared “It may have something to do with a poster I had on my wall in the '70s with Farrah Faucet sitting on the hood of a mustang.”

Michael’s current mustang is a 2015 Limited Edition 50th Anniversary model. He bought “her” sight unseen while “she” was at the 2015 Kansas City World of Wheels Car Show. “She” brought home the trophy for best in her class. As the new owner, Michael has attended several car shows in the Northeast Georgia area and brought home some of his own hardware. But they participate in the shows for the love of the cars! 

Most recently Michael entered his 50th Anniversary mustang into the 3rd Annual Cars of Chateau Charity Event including the Rally (where he was able to drive on the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta track) and Car Show. The event is held in the fall at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort and organized by The Chateau Elan Military Support Foundation. The proceeds of the event support veterans in need throughout Northeast Georgia. “It is a great event for a good charity at a wonderful venue!” Michael shared. He has been involved with this car show since the inaugural event in 2020.   

Thank you Michael for your service to our Country!