Guide's Life

Guide’s Life is an autobiographical memoir by Mikel W. Dawson. The book chronicles the author’s life as a professional guide and a distinguished 23-year military career, including time spent as a member of the 7th ARCOM from 1993 until 2004. 


Growing up on a farm in southwest Idaho, Dawson graduated from the Greenleaf Friends Academy in 1974 and worked as a diesel mechanic, spending his spare time with horses. Dawson eventually met a wilderness outfitter and was offered a job as a guide. He spent several seasons as a guide in the Salmon River Wilderness Area in central Idaho, before moving to Denmark.


Dawson joined the 25th Army Band, Idaho National Guard in 1983, eventually transferring to the 104th Division, changing to MOS 11B, and becoming a drill Sergeant in the Army Reserve, and then transferring to the 321st Combat Engineers. After moving to Denmark, the author transferred to the 7th Army Reserve Command (ARCOM) and went on to earn the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star following assignments in Bosnia, Ukraine, Kosovo, Kuwait, and Iraq. 


Guide’s Life chronicles the author’s adventures, experiences and trials during these 23 years of service.