Where did you serve and what did you do?
I am a career (22 years) U.S. Navy Master Chief Fire Control Technician. I served on 5 U.S. Navy ships – the USS MIDWAY (CVA-41), USS TURNER JOY (DD-951), USS JONAS INGRAM (DD-938), USS PAUL (DE/FF-1080), and USS ARKANSAS(CGN-41). I served 2 tours off the coast of Vietnam on the USS TURNER J0Y (1965-1966) and USS PAUL (DE/FF-1080) conducting Naval Gun Fire Support. I was on the Commissioning Crew of the USS PAUL and USS ARKANSAS and was Command Master Chief of the USS ARKANSAS 1982-1983. I retired from the Navy in August 1985.
How are you #StillServing?
I have been a Disabled American Veteran (DAV) patient driver for the Iowa City VA for the past 11 years. I have 2 100% disabled, home-bound veterans that I routinely visit on a weekly basis. I organize and deliver veteran families Thanksgiving food baskets in my neighborhood each year for the past 6 years—typically delivering to 25 veteran families in need. I actively support Home Instead’s Santa to a Senior Veteran purchasing gifts, helping wrap, and delivering the gifts. I will be helping our VFW Post 788 annual Christmas baskets to needy veterans. Our Linn County Veterans office knows me personally and contacts me when a veteran is in need of help.
Why do you do it?
Because I love helping veterans. My motto is, “Any day I am helping a veteran, is a GOOD day!” The veterans deserve it and feel like I’m giving back for all the Navy did for me.