Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served in the US Navy for 20 years as a Quartermaster, retiring as an E-8. I earned the National Defense Medal by serving on a ship that was part of the blockade during the Cuban missile crisis. In my first tour to Vietnam I was on Swift boats or other small craft that performed boarding to prevent movement of arms, munitions and supplies to the Viet Cong and People’s Army of Vietnam. We also inserted SEAL teams for counterinsurgency operations. My second tour in Vietnam was to support the withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam in 1973.

How are you Still Serving?

I serve as the Honor Guard Captain for Corporal Fred J. Grant Post 1481 in Ogden. I serve as the liaison between families and mortuaries seeking military honors for their deceased veteran. I coordinate with the mortuaries and the various military organizations to ensure military honors are provided.

Why do you do it?

Our deceased veterans deserve to be honored upon their death. I appreciate the thanks the families give us after the ceremonies. They often comment on our professionalism and willingness to volunteer.