Where did you serve and what did you do?

I was one of them Sailors that was lucky enough to have done all 20 years active duty out of NAS North Island in Coronado. As an AMH, I spent all 20 years on the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter platform. I just jumped between the squadrons there every time my orders were up. During my sea rotations, I still deployed onboard ships or got forward deployed with our helicopters but, during shore rotations, it was like a regular 7-4 job. Being station in one area allowed me to volunteer and build strong bonds and friendships in the community, and really got see and experience what was missing in the community. After my 20 years active duty, I got the opportunity to work as a civilian contractor in the same squadron I retired from. I did this job for 12 more years, before retiring, and started my new venture.

How are you Still Serving?

Today, I am the COO of my own hospice agency, and owner of a home health agency (33.3% in each). As a veteran owned business, ofc ourse, I want to help my fellow veterans, by providing home health in the privacy of their own home or assisted living facility. As well as being there for them in their last days by providing pain management, social services, comfort care, and an ear. As we all know, most veterans unfortunately end up alone, and there is no better therapy than being heard. As a veteran, I understand other veterans, which can’t be said for the civilian sector. I love to hear the sea stories! Sometimes, during these times, their own families get to learn how great their veteran was. And unfortunately, no one wants to listen, because they don’t understand. I am here for them, and that is a great feeling!

Why do you do it?

Because home health and hospice are things that most veterans are never made aware of. And although, you might think you know what to do when the time to say goodbye arrives, the reality is that most people draw a blank, and that’s where we come in. To ensure that all the “T”s are crossed, and “I”s are dotted. I simply love helping other people, specially my veterans.