Where did you serve and what did you do?
21 years in the US Navy Seabees. Served in Seabee units in Port Hueneme, Ca; Norfolk, VA and Gulfport, MS. In Mobile Construction Battalions I worked all of the Alfa Company administration office positions from Company Clerk to Company Chief. I worked in: rock crushing and quarry operations as Battalion Blaster and Mineral Products Supervisor, transportation; Air Detachment Constructionman and Operations Chief; Communications Chief, Training Chief; Embarkation Chief; COMSEC Custodian. In Construction Regiments I served as Regimental Training Chief; Seabee Team Training; COMSEC Custodian and COMSEC ISIC Inspector during Operatioons Desert Shield and Storm. Served in Humanitarian Operations with Vietnamese Refugees; Rhode Island Blizzard clearing, Kurd Refugees during Operation Provided Comfort.
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
With Pepper, my first Therapy Dog, we served nine years as a Pet Therapy Team. With HM1 Doc, we have served as a Pet Therapy Team for three years and counting. We bring comfort, reduce loneliness, enhance lives and create motivation for people of all ages in various types of facilities. We mainly visit in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory units, universities, libraries, mental health facilities and blind rehab facilities. HM1 Doc brings smiles, comfort encouragement to people of all ages and walks of life, especially military personnel.
Why do you do it?
My life has been one of service to my country and the people in it. I have been blessed with two amazing dogs that interact with people in ways you have to observe. Since I have such a blessing, I feel compelled to share him with others. The service and help and healing we bring to others also brings healing to me. It has also resulted in receiving two Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.