Where did you serve and what did you do?

Ft Leonard Wood, Truck driver

How are you Still Serving?

I tend to stay busy. We decided to foster and have two boys that we adopted out of the system as teenagers and a third that we are currently in the process of adopting, currently a 1yo. Having kids led me to realize how horrible the public education is in Wisconsin, which led me to running for school board and became extremely active in politics. Im currently serving my second term. One of my main companies is a group home for disabled adults in Kenosha which houses eight residents. When I took over, the place should’ve been condemned and shut down. In one years time, I turned it into the best group home probably in the state. Our residents are active, have daily activities, active in planning activities and meals, eating all organic and getting healthy. I also run a consignment company that contracts with manufacturers who donate most of the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. Im also a part owner of a campground. Other than sitting on the board of education, I also sit on two other boards, a member of the VFW, Moose Club, American Legion and a Mason. I do help out in our local DeMoley chapter too, which is basically our freemason youth group and they do a lot of charity. In my free time, I’m a bourbon collector/hunter. Its my me time, locating the impossible bottles, lol. We hold and participate in a lot of bourbon fundraisers too, which generate a ton of money.

Why do you do it?

I can’t say why I do it. I’ve always been someone willing to help others if I have the means. I enjoy what I do and it keeps me active. My focus is always on retirement, but when I finally do, I’m sure not much will change, lol. If i had to pick a major accomplishment, it would be my boys. Our teenagers came to us broken and abused, from their past life and also the foster system. Within their first year with us, caseworkers couldn’t believe the changes. Both of our teenagers have become fine young men and I’m so proud of them. They may still have their struggles, but they know that they always have me. In fact, with our first son, the first year of his placement with us, we were awarded with foster parents of the year. Caseworkers frequently tell us that we are their easiest parents. They know that we can handle anything.