A third-generation Michigander, Bouchard’s story is forged in Michigan’s backbone of service. His father, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, has spent more than 38 years protecting families across Southeast Michigan. After serving in the army during World War II, his grandfather worked for 33 years at General Motors, part of the generation that built America’s “Arsenal of Democracy” and powered Michigan’s middle class, retiring from a facility located in Warren, Michigan.

A graduate of Michigan State University’s ROTC program, Bouchard served in both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, including missions to the Southern Border and Iraq. He previously served as Chief Operations Officer for a 1,200-soldier infantry battalion in the Michigan Army National Guard, and most recently as a member of a joint task force in the global fight against ISIS, earning the Bronze Star for his leadership.