Where did you serve and what did you do?
Currently still on Active Duty in the Army. Have been serving for 19 years. Been deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 to 2004 for six months and again from 2007 to 2008 for nine months. Deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005 for six months. Currently stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, and have been stationed at Fort Meade, MD, and the MFO in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Duties throughout the years include Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, AIT Instructor, Operations NCO, TV Station Manager, and Executive Assistant.
How are you #StillServing?
I am currently our District 8 Commander and Post Commander. I am also our State Buddy Poppy Chairmen. As a District Commander, I go and visit the seven Posts within our District and ensure they have the material and knowledge they need to be successful and helps veterans within their community.
Why do you do it?
I do it for the love of the veterans and their families. I grew in a town where if you belonged to the VFW you were considered somewhat of a celebrity and a person of importance. I enjoy seeing the camaraderie when the members gather and know that for some this is the best day they are having.
I do this so we can ensure that our veterans and their families get the benefits that they fought for. It is a moment of pride when a member has a smile on their face and they state that their claim was approved and now they have a 100% rating and are able to finally retire and enjoy life. The smile on the kids’ faces when they win the Buddy Poppy King and Queen or knowing that when the Voice of Democracy winner knows that they are closer to reaching their goal of attending college. There are so many reasons that I do this and the main one is that I see as the most important is to honor those that came before us and to ensure their legacy lives on.