Where did you serve and what did you do?

Operation Enduring Freedom 2012-2013 Infantry Airbornej Sniper 3rd ID 2nd BCT 1/64 Armored Unit Co- Headquarters Sniper Team member a part of an 8 man sniper team

How are you Still Serving?

I am not serving anywhere at the moment. I have a heart for suicide prevention as I lost my spotter Pardee when we redeployed from Afghanistan. He overdosed on heroin and he was found dead in his bathroom. Ironically enough we have the same birthdays! Before he committed suicide we had a reunion with our three man team from our sniper section (we all served together In OEF). Pardee seemed happy, working hard, going to college and running his family business with his dad. I got a call one day before selling my home in Columbus, Ga! That day changed my life forever! Nothing could stop me making his funeral, even though my flight was delayed I rented a car and drove from New York City to Clymer, Pa. I drove all night to watch them lay his body in the ground, that almost killed me!! I have been to the darkest places battling PTSD and for the first time in my life I have taken control of my mental health. My partner and I have worked so hard to retire early and take up our cause in the community! This is my cause, this is my story. I need to stand for myself, Pardee ( my spotter in Afghanistan). It would mean the world to me if my military brothers and sisters stood with me to make this my big first step in joining a cause to serve to give back. Since moving to Florida two years ago to retire with my partner I have worked to take back my mental health and heal! For the first time in my life I have taken a stand to heal from PTSD. It has been a long hard journey but I’m living proof there is beauty in ashes. This is me being vulnerable. I would like to find the right VFW for myself. I want to be accepted for who I am in my personal life and as a soldier! I would like to donate to the right organization for me. I would like to be a part of something bigger than myself. I do not want to be judged and I would like a safe place to meet like minded individuals! My cause is suicide prevention in honor of my late brother Garett Pardee! I stood over his casket at his funeral and promised myself I would carry his legacy! I do not take that lightly. I honor God, Country, and Family! I fought for this flag and now I am choosing to fight for a bigger cause to save vets. Pardee would be proud of me for this. I never reunited with my Army community after redeploying. I would like more information about the VFW to make sure it’s a good fit for me.

Why do you do it?

Suicide prevention