Feb 23, 2026
Despite retiring from the Navy in 2021, Steven Michaels remains dedicated to helping others.
A life member of VFW Post 2135 in Peoria, Arizona, Michaels continues to serve his community and fellow veterans through volunteer work that spans from honoring local Eagle Scouts to helping allies who once served alongside U.S. forces overseas.
“I’m not a person who looks for personal accolades,” Michaels told his local newspaper, the Sun City West Independent in Sun City, Arizona. “I do things because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t do things to get awards.”
After the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan gained control of the country following the fall of Kabul in 2021, Michaels dedicated countless hours working with immigration authorities to help bring two Afghan men seeking refuge in the U.S.
Michaels, who deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 as a civil affairs officer with the International Security Assistance Force, eventually succeeded in placing both men within Afghan communities in Georgia and Washington state, respectively.
Both men are among the hundreds of thousands of Afghans who have fled since 2021.
For them, both now in their late twenties, Michaels’ dedication and unexpected friendship remain a beacon of human kindness.
“I always mention him as my big brother,” one of the men, Shafiullah, told the Independent. “Anytime I remember your name, I pray for you. That belief you had in us was never expected from us. Our native brothers never believe like that which you did for us.”
The other man, Namatullah, added, “He’s such a kind man. He’s helped me to this day.”
Michaels remains in weekly contact to ensure they have what they need to rebuild their lives — a commitment Michaels says is rooted in a lifetime of service shaped by his upbringing as an Eagle Scout, a retired officer and veteran.
For his continued service, Michaels was recognized this year by VFW’s Still Serving campaign, an initiative that honors veterans who continue strengthening their communities after their military service ends.