Where did you serve and what did you do?

Navy Civic Action Danang and Mobile Technical Training Team Saigon.

How are you Still Serving?

I am the Youth Programs Chairman at Post 2123

Why do you do it?

I am proud of my time as the VFW Post 2123 Youth Programs Chairman and my opportunity as a piece in the VFW’s Youth and Education programs. It’s a platform that allows me to channel my dedication to service into something truly impactful – fostering patriotism and civic engagement in our local youth. In 2015 when I challenged myself to get our local school board involved in the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. In subsequent years we expanded, adding the Voice of Democracy, Teacher of the Year, Scout of the Year and eventually our Art Challenge contest for elementary schools. Seeing participation reach as many as 368 entries in a single year is not a testament to the program’s success, but rather its potential. On March 13, 2024, we celebrated our 9th Annual Youth and Education Awards in a ceremony at Shenandoah University. This year we presented nearly $3,000 in cash and awards to deserving students and educators as a concrete symbol of Post 2123’s investment in their development. The fight for our nation’s future starts in our classrooms and communities. Through these programs, I’m proud to play a role in equipping the next generation with the values and voices that will keep America strong. As a bonus, I’m happy that it provides a reason for my wife and family to be proud of me for what I am doing now rather than just because what I have done in the past.