Where did you serve and what did you do?

Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan Aug 2009 – Sept 2010. COMISAF CJ9 Civil Affairs Sub-National Engagement Team the first few months then helped stand up the Information Dominance Center at three-star HQ which was N-KAIA ISAF IJC. I learned some Dari and flew to several provinces to engage the local leaders including some overnight missions. Last nine months spent as RC-East Desk Chief Analyst at IDC N-KAIA. Simultaneously, I partnered with NGO PARSA to run several Afghan Scout troops (boys & girls) at orphanages in Kabul. I spent time at Marastoon which was PARSA HQ and also a Red Crescent property for Afghans with disabilities from previous wars. I busted my butt to try to improve the lives of the women & children and ease their suffering from so many years of both civil and international wars.

How are you Still Serving?

I volunteer with my VFW Post 2135 on many projects including honoring local Eagle Scouts with certificates. I also spent hundreds of hours since August 2021 working with USCIS to get my two interpreters from Afghan Scouts out of Kabul. The pain of receiving messages and photos from them with wounds from being beaten by Turkish police and rejections by other countries as they were on the run from certain death at the hands of the Taliban was enough to take me back to painful memories of my time overseas. After two years receiving no help from the Biden Administration or my two State Senators, I finally succeeded in getting them here to the USA where they assimilated into Afghan communities. I am in weekly contact with them to ensure they have what they need to survive and rebuild their lives.

Why do you do it?

I was raised properly by two US Veterans in a Christian (Catholic) home. I am an Eagle Scout and a military officer (ret). I have taken many oaths and lived true to them all. Because of this I try to help other people (and dogs) at all times and everywhere. My reward is knowing that the people and dogs I have helped were able to live a little better or longer, and that by knowing they are loved they will hopefully spread that love to others.