Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served over three decades in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after a career that spanned Special Forces, Aviation, Infantry, and Joint Operations. I began my service as an enlisted Soldier, made it to E-6, then later commissioned as an officer and earning my Green Beret. My assignments took me across the globe, 9 deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Bonia-Herzogovina, and the Philippines serving with U.S. Army Special Forces units, Joint Task Forces, and senior operational headquarters, including USASOC, SOCPAC and JSOC. When I took off the uniform, I served as a Defense Contractor for SOCPAC for 5 years. Throughout my career, I held key leadership roles planning and executing complex missions in austere and high-risk environments alongside our nation’s finest and allies.

How are you Still Serving?

Today, I am still serving—just in a different uniform. In retirement, I remain deeply involved in the veteran and military community through the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Special Forces Association, and other service organizations like the Oahu Veterans Council. I work to support veterans, honor the fallen, and strengthen our communities through advocacy, mentorship, and event leadership. Living in Hawaii, I am committed to preserving military heritage, supporting fellow veterans and their families, and ensuring that service does not end when the uniform comes off. Still serving means carrying forward the values of duty, honor, and service—every single day.

Why do you do it?

I still serve because service is not something you turn off when the uniform comes off. It’s part of who I am. I served alongside extraordinary men and women, many of whom never made it home, and I carry a responsibility to honor their sacrifice by continuing to lead, support, and give back. I still serve because veterans need veterans. Whether it’s advocacy, mentorship, or simply being present for someone who’s struggling, I know firsthand that shared experience builds trust and saves lives. Through the VFW and other veteran organizations, I can help preserve our stories, protect our benefits, and ensure no one is left behind. Most of all, I still serve because our communities matter. Service now means strengthening the bonds between veterans and the communities we defended, honoring our nation’s history, and living the values we fought for—duty, integrity, and selfless service. As long as there is work to be done and someone who needs help, I will continue to serve.