Where did you serve and what did you do?
I served from 1981-1986 on 2 ships, the USS John Hancock DD-981 and the USS Taylor FFG-50, both in Charleston, SC. I went back in the Reserves and served from 1996-2014 when I retired as a Chief Gunner’s Mate GMC(SCW). I spent 8 years with the Seabees (NMCB-27) and did 2 deployments to the Middle East on a Customs Mission with NAVELSG and a Security Mission with MSRON 8. I have been a Gunner’s Mate my entire career.
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
I’ll be honest, I talk to my dog more than I do my wife. We joke about it all the time but my dog keeps me level headed and calm and as we all know, a dog is the only creature on this earth who loves you more than they love themselves! I volunteered at my local VA for 2 years before COVID and currently I have become a member of Team RWB to try and lose some weight and get a little more exercise. I’m a member of Irreverent Warriors which helps prevent Veteran Suicide and I also help local Veteran’s with any problems they have, take them to appointments and provide them with any information that they need.
Why do you do it?
Well not to sound corny but I do it because I love my country and I am proud to have served her. I never leave my house without one of my military ball caps on much to my wife’s dismay but she understands. I’ve managed to keep the stickers on my truck to 4 (also the wife’s request). I am all about helping Veterans wherever and whenever I can!