Where did you serve and what did you do?
I spent 22years in the Air Force. Served in Okinawa, Virginia, Germany, Goose Bay Labrador, Keflavik, Iceland, California, Illinois, Oklahoma. From March 1967 to March 1968, I was a ground radio operator with the 21st Tactical Support Squadron and served at several different locations in Vietnam.
How are you #StillServing?
I have served as Commander, Sr. Vice, Jr. Vice, and ADJ/Quartermaster for Post 9969 in Del City, OK. I have been quartermaster for the past 9 years. I have also served as District Commander and District Adjutant/QM. I am currently the State Judge Advocate Oklahoma and serve on the Finance Committee.
For the past 15 years, I have served as the VFW Post 9969 Service Officer. I assist veterans and their families three days a week at the VFW and American Legion.
I recently started volunteering with Warriors for Freedom to assist with their VA Claims processing. My wife Bonnie and I were recently recognized by the Oklahoma Veterans Council as the Veteran Family of the Year for Oklahoma. Between my wife and I, we have 66 years of volunteering with veterans. I am a Legacy Gold Life Member.
Why do you do it?
My grandson asked my wife one day, “Why does Grandpa go and help all of those veterans?” Her response was that it was therapy for me to be able to spend time with my fellow veterans. That is definitely true.
The satisfaction I get when one of our older veterans came to me for help and we were able to get him VA benefits and to see the smile on his face is wonderful. That veteran to this day still thanks me for helping him out. Veterans helping veterans.
Years ago a veteran reached out to me when I needed help with the VA and now I am returning the favor for as long as the good Lord allows me to do so. I really enjoy what I do for veterans.