Where did you serve and what did you do?
U.S. Navy – 2003 – 2011
Iraq Campaign – 2007
USS Austin LPD – Deck Dept
USS Nitze DDG 94 – Sonar Operator
Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center – Legal Rep
NOPF – Whidbey Island – Sonar Operations for IUSS
How are you #StillServing?
When I left the Navy, I joined a local VFW and became the Post surgeon. It was in this role I increased the blood drive donors exponentially as well as worked to recruit younger veteran members to the post.
I created and chaired the first-ever Veterans Council Business Resource Group at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. With this BRG we worked with the CEO and execs to bring veteran awareness to the company and the benefits of hiring veterans with their work ethic, loyalty, leadership and other skills. We implement the veteran self-identifying option with our HR Dept as well as implemented a Military Buyers program for active duty and reservists to assist with the lease or purchase of a Mercedes-Benz.
It is with this Council that we also assist veterans transitioning from the military world to the corporate world. We work with veterans on resume writing, interview assistance and skills translation. We work to show that not only is the company a great place to work for current veteran employees, but also work to attract new veteran employees.
In 2018, I was appointed to the city council in Rhome, TX, then ran unopposed in 2019, and currently running opposed. It is here that I champion for veterans in the community as well as our first responders. The council approved a tax rate freeze for 65 and older as well as disabled individuals, and even though already mandated by the state, we included veterans. When the county had an issue with the way or ordinance read, we amended it to assist veterans with this issue. As an elected official, I will always support and push for benefits for our veterans and first responders.
Why do you do it?
I do it because they, we, deserve it. We all performed a selfless act by joining the military and all veterans deserve assistance when their service is over. The TAP class we receive at the end of our tour does not adequately provide the assistance needed to transition. It’s not always easy transitioning from the military to civilian life, and a lot of times this leads to depression and 22 a day. By assisting our Veterans I want to decrease that number until it is 0 a day. I do it because it’s the right thing to do and because it is needed. I could have used this during my transition, and so now it is my mission to help others that need it.