Where did you serve and what did you do?
Multiple stations from June 1972 til Feb. 1994. Marine Barracks Barber s Point; T53, T400 jet engine mechanic, Uh-1E/N crew chief and door gunner. AH-1W plane captain. Quality Assurance Chief, 3rd MAW rotary wing maintenance coordinator and ground safety inspector/advisor .Served with HML 771, HML 775, HML 776, MALS 36 and 39, HMLA 369 during desert shield and Desert Storm.
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
Chesty provides stability support and item recovery for me daily. He assists me in performance of my duties during flag retirements, funeral details, public affairs and community involvement events. He accompanied and aided my efforts during recent event at a NY SCOPE meeting where we were involved in an informational public event discussing recent changes to NY gun regulations. He also carries items for me when I am struggling to hold them. His presence during doctor visits helps all of us remain focused and relaxed during pain management and ongoing testing.
Why do you do it?
Military honors are earned during an enlistment; paying final honors and providing a final act of appreciation and respect for that service are appreciated by the families, especially in rural Northern Chautauqua county. Remembering Flag Day, POW MIA, and the other holidays with Chesty present helps folks concentrate on the reason and messages given. Too often the hot topic/ trending events is given all the attention when events like History Flight, Wreaths across America and many others struggle to remain viable reminders of the price of our liberties. Members of the VFW must continue to remind those who will hear the message of our ideals and stand in the community to support those families and veterans who need our comfort or aid.