Where did you serve and what did you do?
I served in Al Asad, Iraq from January – December 2005 with the 1073rd Maintenance Company out of Greenville, Michigan. I was a heavy diesel mechanic on a mobile maintenance team. During our deployment, my team was separated from the main body of our company. To better assist in our efforts, I was additionally trained on a/c repair and the parts ordering system.
How are you #StillServing?
I am currently in my third year as Commander at Post 3701 in Lakeview, Michigan as well as the Jr. Vice Commander of my District (#9). I am a Graphic Designer by trade so I am also the Editor/Designer for both my Post newsletter and the Department of Michigan Overseas Veteran publication. I donate many hours of Graphic Design & Marketing to our Post and others throughout the state to assist with outreach efforts. Outside of the VFW, I am the Vice-Chair of the Montcalm County Veterans Advisory Board which oversees my county’s veterans affairs department. Here as well, I offer my Graphic Design & Marketing skillset at no charge to the county, creating engaging marketing materials to disseminate pertinent information to our local veterans.
Why do you do it?
Veterans have an understanding of each other that is different from the relationships we have with our civilian counterparts. By joining the military, I gained an additional family and upon exiting, it felt like I had lost something. Being active with veterans not only gives me back my military family, but it also provides the opportunity to make a difference in my community.