Hi my name is Mike Benn and I would like to introduce myself as your AlphaNet Coordinator.
I live in Hannibal, Missouri with my wife Pat. I exhibited no symptoms of Alpha-1 until 2006 when I was 57 years old. I was initially diagnosed with asthma and was treated unsuccessfully. In 2007, an allergist tested me for Alpha-1 and diagnosed me with the disease. I did not start augmentation therapy until late 2008 after developing chronic bronchitis.
I am a military veteran and served for 26 years in the United States Navy, mostly at sea, retiring in 1996 after achieving my dream of serving as the captain of a Navy ship. As part of my career in the military, I lived in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, California, Hawaii, Guam and Japan. I find that the time I spent in the military helped me with my management skills and taught me how to counsel a tight-knit group.
I enjoy getting up every morning and talking with Alphas. I learn something new every day. When I am not interacting with Alphas, I enjoy bass fishing.