Where did you serve and what did you do?
United States Army as privates.
During the next 7 years, I completed Officers Candidate School in Field Artillery obtaining the rank of 2d Lieutenant; completed flight school where I flew Huey helicopters and did a tour of duty in South Vietnam in 1968-1969 transporting ground troops and flying gunships.
After returning to the states, I served as a flight instructor, commanded several military units and finished additional officer training achieving the rank of Captain.
How are you #StillServing?
1. 2021 marks the start of my 25th year as a board member of the Truckee Meadows Boys and Girls Club. We serve 15,000 youth aged from 6 months through 18 years with a wide variety of programs who are guaranteed a safe haven when they attend any of our programs.
The Early Learning Centers start at 6 months and advance to the regular club at 6 years. Emphasis is placed on education requiring them to finish their studies before they can participate in crafts, sports, games, computers and other games.
In 2019 I was president of the board which numbers about 35 members. The club currently has a $12 million annual budget which is raised from a multitude of sources such as individual donations, foundations, governments (local and national) and fundraising events.
2. I have been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars since 1993 and am currently the Junior Vise in Sparks Post 3396. I became a Life Member a couple of years later. I am also the membership chair and have been active in recruiting new or transfer members. COVID-19 has put a crimp in my participation, but I will attend events that are not crowded and participate in most virtual programs.
3. I am also active as a director emeritus in the Reno Rodeo Association where one of our main goals is to annually furnish clothing to foster and other children who need it. We also make arrangements for veterans (primarily WWII) and others to attend rodeo performances as our guests.
4. Nevada Military Support Alliance (NMSA) is an organization started several years by local businessmen and veterans of which I am a member of the board. We have raised funds for and built special needs housing for disabled veterans and their families who need it.
In addition, we have created veteran and military centers on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College. In conjunction with Southern Nevada entities, we built the Fisher House in Las Vegas which is a location for veterans to stay while receiving medical assistance.
5. As a member of the Rotary Club of Sparks, I am active in helping with all of our projects, whether with donations or physical assistance. We are involved with the City of Sparks in constructing a versatile playground where all people, including those handicapped, can play on the equipment and have fun. We sponsor the kid’s free fishing day annually in the summer and give each participant a free fishing pole and the necessary fishing tackle.
I initially joined the Rotary Club of Reno where I was president in 2008-2009 and transferred to Sparks about 2-3 years ago. We also have first responder recognition where we honor local police officers and firefighters nominated by their respective agencies.
Why do you do it?
I have been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars since 1993 and am currently the Junior Vise in Sparks Post 3396. I became a Life Member a couple of years later. I am also the membership chair and have been active in recruiting new or transfer members. COVID has put a crimp in my participation, but I will attend events that are not crowded and participate in most virtual programs.