Ten Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Kyle Mills

So, I'm the new guy on 99.1 The Whale... thought I'd share with you a list of ten things that you probably didn't know about me.

1.) I Am a Veteran 

I served in the US Air Force from March 2004 - March 2008. I was enlisted as an Intelligence Analyst, and I was based out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. I was also a member of the Base Honor Guard, and ended up providing honors to over 300 funerals, retirements, and miscellaneous ceremonies. I spent 8 months deployed to Ramadi, Iraq. What can I really say about that? It was hot, and I didn't appreciate being shot at.

2.) Martial Arts Background

From 2002 - present, I've been studying a few different types of martial arts. In 2006, I received my expert level certifications in Kali Knife Fighting, and Krav Maga. In 2013, I got my black belt in Jiu Jitsu and I just got my 1st degree black belt/certified instructor in 2015. I am still learning, but mostly through teaching in Endicott 3 days a week.

3.) Medical Setback 

Back in April 2013,  I started to get mild headaches every day for a couple of weeks straight. So, I spoke with the Veteran's Administration (VA), and was able to get an MRI done. I ended up spending a week in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), because that found a golf-ball sized hemorrhage deep in my cerebellum. One nurse even went so far as to tell me that she was stunned because I "should be dead." I guess it was a big deal.

4.) Early Life in New York

I graduated from Binghamton High School in 2002, joined the military shortly after working a few local jobs, and then went to college at SUNY Broome from 2009-2012. Before high school, however, I lived all over the place (Chenango Forks, Harpursville, Endicott, Marcellus, Fairport), because my mom worked in banking, and kept getting moved around to different branches.

5. ) College Life

I started college at SUNY Broome in 2009 majoring in Liberal Arts, but towards the end, began to focus on Environmental Sciences. After I graduated in 2011, my plan was to continue on to Binghamton University -- but it didn't work out that way. There were some paperwork setbacks, so I want back to SUNY Broome to complete another degree while I waited to go back to B.U.  I had some really awesome instructors in the Communications program, who helped guide me to a path that just came naturally for me: radio. From Tim Skinner to Chris Coyne, Ted Nappi, and Pete Weston -- they all helped tremendously with my advances in to the radio business.

6. ) Post College Life

Literally the day after I finished classes for my second degree at SUNY Broome, I went out on the town in a suit, resumes in hand and you know who ended up hiring me in to my first job in radio? Our very own morning show host Doug Mosher! Back in 2012, we were with a different radio group, and I was hired on as the Promotions Director. It wasn't until February of 2014 that I was hired here at Townsquare Media as the Promotions Director, and Live Events Manager - later slipping into a midday spot right here on the Whale.

7.) Extracurricular Activities 

Outside of working for The Whale, I also have 2 more jobs on the side! I teach Jiu Jitsu 3 days a week, and mobile DJ around town (trivia host, comedy shows, parties, etc).

8.) Charitable Causes 

I am the administrator/representative for the Southern Tier with a group known as NY State Chive. We raise a ton of money throughout the state for local charities. Recently, we just raised over $10.3 thousand dollars for a group called "Clear Path for Veterans" in Syracuse. As one of our mottos states: "My Drinking Organization Has A Charity Problem."

9.) My Favorite Movie 

My favorite movie is probably "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" with Will Ferrell. My dog is literally named "Baxter" because he is a small, tan/blonde terrier, just like the dog in that movie. Don't judge me. You stay classy, Binghamton.

10.) My Oddest Celebrity Encounter 

As I had mentioned before, when I was in the Air Force, I was a member of the Base Honor Guard. We had the opportunity to present the flags before a Houston Texans game during the National Anthem. One of the owners of the team is George Bush Sr. We had the opportunity to meet former President Bush, and I have a photo of him and the group... about 2 seconds after he not-so-gently cupped my butt. True story. Proof is in the pudding.

So there you have it... my long rant of 10 things that you (probably) didn't know about me. If you have any remarks or questions, please pop them in the comments section!