Veteran Match
Veteran Match became an important part of my way back towards working life. It became a meeting between my experience as a veteran and new opportunities in civilian life.
About Michel
The story behind the voice
My name is Michel Riise. I am an author and speaker, but first and foremost I am someone who has tried losing his footing — and finding a way forward.
The story before the portrait
I am a trained metalworker and sergeant and have moved between the Army, the Navy and civilian life throughout my career. I have been deployed to Kosovo and Afghanistan, worked as an instructor in the Armed Forces and as a department manager at Elgiganten.
I am also a trained firefighter and crew leader from the Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen). I have used those skills to teach and train others, and today I still volunteer with Nordjyllands Beredskab.
But my life has not always followed the plan I imagined.
After many years in uniform, with responsibility and fixed structures, the transition to civilian life proved harder than I had expected. At some point I had to admit I could no longer carry on as before.
In 2018 I was granted a disability pension, which I am still on today.
But a disability pension did not mean stepping away from working life or from society.
A Life Beyond the Uniform
Today, I live in Gandrup in Northern Jutland. I am divorced and the father of two boys, Alfred and Oscar, who mean an incredible amount to me.
Being a father is an important part of who I am. My children are a natural part of my life and everyday life, and they have also been there through some of the periods when life has been difficult.
Today, a good life for me is no longer about having everything under control. It is about relationships, being present and being able to contribute with what I can – as a father, as a person and as part of a community.
On 7 September 2026 I started at Aabybro Mejeri, where I work with Ryå Is six hours a week.
I am both happy and proud to have been given the chance and the trust of being part of a working community. For me it is not just about the work itself. It is also about having a place, being able to contribute and being part of a community.
It means a lot to me to be able to use my skills and experience and at the same time feel that what I can do is needed.
Teaching
Teaching at Aalborg University
In September 2026, I had the pleasure of teaching first-semester students on the Social Work programme at Aalborg University.
The theme of the day was homelessness. Drawing on my own story, I talked about how different life events can lead to homelessness and what the road back can look like.
It was a day filled with engaged students, thoughtful questions and meaningful discussions. Afterwards, I received feedback that my story had helped challenge some of their preconceptions about homelessness and the people behind it.
I am both proud and humbled to have had the opportunity to share my story with some of those who will, in the future, work with and support people in vulnerable situations.
Volunteer on LOA
Community at sea
I also volunteer on board LOA, where I sail as a marine engineer. There I get to use some of the skills I bring from the Navy, while being part of a strong community.
LOA was built in 1920–22 and is a historic Danish sailing ship. It means a lot to me to help keep her sailing, so others can also get out on the water and experience what the ship and the community around her have to offer.
LOA is owned and operated by Tall Ship Aalborg Fonden, which works to preserve the ship and create opportunities for people to experience life at sea.
Learn more about LOA and Tall Ship Aalborg Fonden
“What saved me wasn’t strength. It was someone who stayed and asked again.”
Michel Riise · Author · Speaker · Veteran
Finding a way forward
Light4Blue
Alongside my work, I am a board member, mentor and project manager at Light4Blue, where I am involved in supporting injured police officers and their families.
On stage
I also give talks and share the experiences that have shaped me. I have appeared at OrdKraft and on Flag Day at Gammeltorv in Aalborg, invited by Aalborg Municipality.
Why do I share?
Because I believe it helps to put into words what we otherwise carry alone.
My talk and my book Ikke flugt – bare videre are not about having all the answers. They are about life when it takes a turn you did not choose — and about the possibility of finding a new direction.
I speak honestly about what was hard, but also about what came after.
For me, the most important thing is not to tell people how to live their lives. It is to show that even when you lose your footing, there is still a way forward.