Where did you serve and what did you do?
I was stationed at Wurtsmith AFB, MI as a supply clerk before retraining into Biomedical Equipment repair. I then served at Keesler AFB Ms from 1981 until 1991 before being PCS to Yakota AB, Japan where they made me Facility Manager at the hospital on Yokota AB.
My last base was Wright Patterson AFB, Oh from 1995 until I retired after 20 years on December 31, 1996. I served as a Biomedical Equipment Repairman at Wright Patterson. I obtained my Certification while in Mississippi in 1986.
How are you #StillServing?
I am a member of a local Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT) and a former member of the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force, MIVDF (not a militia). In the MIVDF I served as a 1st LT and was responsible for all training. I am no longer associated with the MIVDF. As a member of CERT, we are part of first responders to help with local disasters as well as community events. We train several times a year with basic first aid, search and rescue, fire suppression, traffic and crowd control to include how to handle an influx of untrained volunteers during a disaster.
I recently completed a course on pipeline safety and can recognize by the marker what type of hazardous material is passing underneath the ground. We have been activated at food distributions, local parades and celebrations, (4th of July, etc), and a local Trunk or Treat event that draws 100s of people. We also train in Homeland Security protocol and can run an Incident Command Center.
Why do you do it?
I learned how important it is to give back to the community during my military service. Volunteerism is needed everywhere. Given my military training and time in service, I thought it most helpful to continue to serve where my contribution would be the biggest bang for the buck. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve and will do so as long as I am physically able.