Where did you serve and what did you do?
I served in the US Air Force from December 1977 until May 2010. My 32 year career included flying as a Search and Rescue crew member on helicopters and as a Flight Engineer on the C-5 Galaxy. My 6,000 hours of flight time includes combat and combat support missions for Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. I was medically retired in 2010
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
My Service K9 Mya VonLee is a 9 year old German Shepherd who has been with me since she was a puppy. She has served as both a Therapy and Service K9. Mya loves people and she visits schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities and Veteran homes. I have served at the Post, District and Department officer levels including as the Department of Missouri Veteran Employment and Homeless Veterans Chairman. She has helped me present at various VFW Post 5293 ceremonies and is with me at meetings across the State of MO. She was even featured in my official photo with the Department. Mya serves me as a companion and keeps a watchful eye on our surroundings. I am the founder and executive director of Compass Quest Veterans Advocacy Group which is a non-profit organization focused on connecting veterans to available community services. Mya has served as an Ambassador of Compass Quest and helps breakdown barriers to communication.
Why do you do it?
Serving my fellow veterans provides me with satisfaction as I am able to give back to the community and help others overcome barriers. Being able to help others also provides mission and purpose and helps keep me connected to my fellow veterans.