Where did you serve and what did you do?

I Joined the army out of High School when I was 17 with My Parents permission. I went to Fort Jackson SC, in July 1982, I graduated and went to Fort Gordon GA for AIT as Avionic Communication Equipment Repair Course. I graduated “Honor Graduate.” In rout to my Permanent duty station, I attended and graduated from Jump School at Fort Benning GA in Aug 1983. I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC for 12 out of my 20 years of service. I was Assigned to F. Company (AVIM) “Aviation Intermediate Maintenance” 82nd (CAB) Combat Aviation Battalion from 1983 to 1987. We deployed to Grenada in support of Operation Urgent Fury, 25 Oct – 2 Nov 1983. I was operational as a door gunner for a UH-60 Blackhawk while deployed. I then was Transferred to 45th Transportation Company, Camp Humphreys South Republic of Korea. From June 1987-July 1988. I worked with the Gumi Gold Star company on Military contracted Avionics Repairs for the Army Aviation assets in South Korea. I returned to Fort Bragg, NC. I was assigned to F. Troop 1/17th Cavalry Squadron 82nd (CAB) Combat Aviation Brigade. 1 Aug 1988 – 1 Oct 1989 During which Time I participated in Operation Hawkeye Hurricane Hugo Relief effort for Saint Croix US. Virgin Island. 13 Sep 1988. I was transferred to D. Company (AMC) Aviation Maintenance Company, 82nd (CAB) Combat Aviation Brigade. In Aug 1989 I attended and graduated from the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer course. Upon my return we deployed to Operation Just Cause Panama 20 Dec 1989 – 31 Jan 1990. I was operational as a door gunner for a UH-60 Blackhawk while deployed. And we deployed again to Desert Shield 2 Aug 1990, till Operation Desert Storm. 17 Jan 1991 – 28 Feb 1991. We return to the US April 1991. I attended and graduated “Distinguished Honor Graduate” from the Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Course (ANCOC) in Ft. Rucker Alabama Aug 1991 Oct 1991 After I returned to Fort Bragg, NC I was Detailed to US ARMY Recruiting Command in 1993 for 3 Years in Simi Valley Recruiting Station, Oxnard Company 6th Recruiting Brigade. In 1996 I was then Transferred to 25th infantry Division, Division Support Command (DISCOM) Material Office (MATO) for 6 years where I retired from the US Army in May of 2002.

How are you Still Serving?

I am the post commander for the Kit Carson VFW Post 3726. I am also a Certified Veteran Advocate for the State of Nevada. I am also a designated Veteran Peer Mentor for the Governor's Technology Office in the State of Nevada.

Why do you do it?

I joined because I grew up watching the Vietnam war every night on TV, and I made the determination then that I always wanted to join the Army and serve my country. I did and I joined the 82nd Airborne Division, The "All Americans" and I took great pride in my service and my dedication to my fellow soldiers. I want to continue giving my all to supporting the Veterans of our Great country. I will continue as long as I am able to contribute.