Where did you serve and what did you do?

Ft.Knox KY then Ft. Lee VA – Army medic, 5th Surgical Hospital (MASH) 1971 >1973

How are you Still Serving?

20+ year volunteer and board member at FeatheredFriendsForever.Org – Veteran (Marine, Nam Veteran) founded and staffed rescue and sanctuary for tropical parrots.

Why do you do it?

Parrots, like dogs and cats, can become a "discarded pet" for many reasons. They don't get the attention or donations that other animal organizations receive. Visitors can learn about endangered species (I adopted 2 of those myself), environmental degradation, parrots as companions and other education aspects. This facility provides a unique opportunity for our active military based in Ft Gordon GA to do TDY and community service where they get to meet and interact with macaws, cockatoos and parrots of all sizes. In addition, I have taken my parrots to visit those soldiers at the Blue Goose – aka the Georgia War Veterans Hospital – which the guys seemed to enjoy. We also work to adopt parrots to Veterans as companions. While not able to be classified as Service Animals, parrots can provide even better friendship than a dog. Finally, Feathered Friends Forever will care for parrots belonging to our military while they are stationed overseas at no cost. Just our way of thanking them! The picture shows Bailey the cockatoo interacting with one of the soldiers visiting with his family.