Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served 21+ years on active duty in the Air Force as a helicopter pilot, and flew actively the entire time, amassing more than 4200 flying hours while on continuous rated duty. Most of my assignments were in the western US, except for a 4+ year tour in Special Operations, when I was based on Florida but continually deployed for exercise missions and real-world commitments. This was in the period immediately following Desert Storm.

How are you Still Serving?

After retiring from the USAF, I took my skills, education and experience into the civil sector as a helicopter EMS/air ambulance pilot. I flew for nearly 17 years and transported over 2000 patients while amassing another 2500+ flying hours. I also flew as a volunteer ALE (airborne law enforcement) pilot for the local Sheriffs Dept Air Support Unit, which I have resumed once again. I am also on the Board of Directors of 3 non-profit organizations (1 of which directly supports veterans, their families and Gold Star members), and stay regularly involved in many events and efforts involving Veteran service organizations. I also make regular visits to our local Children’s Hospital with my therapy dog, Sadie, and will soon start doing the same at our local VA medical center.

Why do you do it?

Serving in the Air Force was a privilege, an honor, and a thrill. I feel that I was given so much in terms of a great career and lifelong friends, while earning retirement benefits that enable me to keep serving out of uniform. It’s from a desire to “give back” to my community and honor my fellow veterans – active and retired – that I eagerly welcome the opportunity to serve, now as a fully retired volunteer. It’s my way of saying “thank you” to all those who have gone before me in providing the freedom I so deeply cherish.