Where did you serve and what did you do?
US Army 1986-2015, I served in the Iowa National Guard for 6 yrs then 22 years on Active Duty. I spent 14 years in Germany and retired as a 1SG 91Z Senior Maintenance Supervisor. I was deployed to Desert Storm/Shield, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
How are you #StillServing?
In the military as a NCO we take care of Soldier and their families and train. Since retiring I have continued to assist Veterans and their Families as a Post and District Commander and as a Post Service Officer. Through the VFW and their great programs I am able to get out in the community and not only work with Veterans and their families but a wide variety of folks and organizations. Have done work in the schools, worked with other VSO’s, been involved in a multitude of community events and projects. I understand the importance of being involved and being an active member to ensure our voice is being heard and making a positive difference in the community I live in. Also getting out there and educating our Veterans, their families and our communities about benefits, programs and working together to improve the communities we live in.
Why do you do it?
It was just a good fit and the right thing to do. Once retiring for good the VFW has provided me the opportunity to be active in my community and be more engaged with our Veterans and their families. I come from a long family history of military service which instilled in me at a young age the appreciation for service. The Veterans before me fought to get the various benefits my family and I have used like the GI Bill, VA, pay raises, increased benefits, etc… Its now my time to join that fight and ensure my fellow brothers and sisters of today are taken care of and our future Veterans and their families. It has been such a great experience to be involved and still serving. I have worked with so many great people both Veterans and Non-Veterans and been involved in so many events like honor guard, nursing home visits, Post Choir, Patriot Radio and numerous Veteran events. Highly recommend all Veterans to get out there and get involved. It is hard work but also a lot of fun and humbling to be a part of something much larger than yourself. Very similar to my service and I hope to be able to continue on for many years and be active in the VFW.