Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served in the Army, CA / TX Army National Guard, and CA / OK Air National Guard as an Enlisted service member and an Officer after graduating from the Academy of Military Science. I was slotted as a 75F (Personnel Information Systems Management Specialist), as a 31E (Military Police Internment and Resettlement Specialist, as an 1A371 (Airborne Communications And Electronics Systems Craftsman), and as an 11H2E (HH-60 Helicopter Pilot).

How are you Still Serving?

As a combat veteran, my service didn't end when I left the military—it's evolved into a profound commitment to supporting my community, fellow veterans, and first responders through chaplaincy and related roles. Today, I actively volunteer as a Chaplain for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's South Division and Special Operations, where I provide spiritual and emotional support to officers dealing with high-stress situations, critical incidents, and daily challenges on the job. Similarly, I serve in the same capacity for the Stallings Police Department, helping law enforcement personnel navigate the mental and emotional toll of their work. I'm also a member of the Union County Critical Incident Support Management (CISM) team, stepping in during crises to offer immediate debriefing, counseling, and peer support to those affected, whether it's first responders or community members.

In addition to these frontline roles, I proudly serve as the Post Chaplain for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Indian Trail (Post 2423), where I minister to my VFW family—offering guidance, organizing support events, and ensuring that veterans feel connected and cared for. This position is especially meaningful to me, and it's been recognized at the state level: I was honored as the State of North Carolina Veterans of Foreign Wars Chaplain of the Year for 2024-2025. On top of that, my dedication to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department earned me the Chaplain of the Year award for 2025, which motivates me to keep pushing forward.

My service builds on a strong foundation of experience and training. I've enhanced my skills through specialized certifications, including Suicide P.A.I.R. (Prevention, Assessment, Intervention, and Recovery) training and Military and First Responder Coaching from Light University. These tools allow me to address issues like PTSD, suicide prevention, and resilience-building in a targeted way. My education—a B.S. in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Cold War History from Excelsior University and an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling with a concentration in Community Chaplaincy from Liberty University—provides the academic backbone for this work. I'm also an active member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and the North Carolina Sheriff's Chaplains Association, which keeps me connected to best practices and a network of like-minded professionals. Every day, whether it's responding to a call-out or simply being there for a conversation, I'm still serving by giving back to those who protect and have protected our freedoms.

Why do you do it?

I do it because service is an integral part of who I am—it's a calling that started when I was very young and only intensified during my years in the military. Those experiences exposed me to the raw realities of sacrifice, loss, and resilience, and they deepened my sense of purpose to help others facing similar battles. In 2020, I answered that divine call with additional licensing and training specifically tailored to supporting first responders and veterans. What drives me is the profound need I see in my community—among police officers who face danger daily and veterans grappling with the aftermath of service. As a combat veteran myself, I understand the unique struggles: the isolation, the trauma, the search for meaning after the uniform comes off. That's especially true today because approximately 20% of law enforcement officers are military veterans like me, bringing valuable skills but also carrying the compounded burdens of both combat and policing. That's why I focus on these roles—to help reduce suicides among both law enforcement officers and veterans. I continue to attend annual education and training conferences and classes so that I can always be the best that I can be for those that I serve, because they are trying to be the best that they can be when serving our community.

The statistics on law enforcement officer suicides are alarming and often underreported due to stigma and fear of career repercussions. On average, more officers die by suicide each year than in the line of duty, with rates significantly higher than the general public—especially in smaller departments with limited mental health resources. When you add military service into the mix, the risk grows even greater: veterans already face elevated suicide rates compared to civilians, and the overlap of combat trauma with daily policing stressors creates a unique vulnerability for these dual-service individuals.

On a deeper level, it's about legacy and gratitude. My military service shaped me, and now I use that foundation—bolstered by my education in history and pastoral counseling—to pay it forward through this voluntary work. Whether it's through crisis intervention with the Union County CISM team, spiritual guidance for my VFW brothers and sisters, or coaching sessions informed by my Light University certifications, I do it to honor those who've served, to strengthen my police officers and first responders, and to build safer, more resilient communities. It's not always easy, but it's rewarding beyond measure—it's my way of continuing the mission, staying true to my values, and living out a faith-driven commitment to others. In the end, I do it because I've been there, and if I can help save just one person from suicide, then everything I've done or sacrificed has been worth it.