Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served as US Navy Hospital Corpsman from 1979 to 1999. I was stationed twice with the US Marines at MCAS El Toro and MCAS(H) Tustin, and again on Okinawa. I also served aboard the USS MIDWAY (CV-41) and the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) and at the Naval School of Health Sciences in Oakland as a Basic X-Ray Technology instructor. After attending Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, RI, I finished my career at Naval Hospital Bremerton and reside in Port Orchard, Washington still.

How are you Still Serving?

During my time at Naval Hospital Bremerton, I became a volunteer firefighter for what was then, Kitsap Fire District 7 and is now South Kitsap Fire and Rescue. I served as a volunteer suppression firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for 28 years, retiring in December 2024. I was also a volunteer search and rescue canine handler for scent discriminating trailing for 22 years, retiring in mid-2025 after my third search dog retired due to old age. In November 2025, I “returned to the fire service” as an elected Fire Commissioner and took office in January 2026.

Why do you do it?

When I was active duty, it was to serve my country, build my skill set for when I eventually retired and a solid pension and medical benefits after I retired. I am a volunteer firefighter and volunteer search and rescue K9 handler to serve my community. As a non-paid Fire Commissioner, I serve my local community with the volunteer and career First Responders who make up South Kitsap Fire and Rescue.