Where did you serve and what did you do?

Served for 20 years in the US Marine Corps and retired off active duty. I have served in many countries overseas. I served during the Desert Shields and Desert Storm during the Gulf War in 1990-1991. Also was in the waters off Beirut Lebanon 1988-1989. My MOS was Motor Transport Maintenance Chief during the Gulf War with 2nd Battalion 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. Off the coast of Beirut Lebanon 1988-1989 to evacuate the US Embassy during the fall of 1989. In my early years in the Marines, I’ve served in many capacities, from a diesel mechanic, to vehicle recovery (Wrecker Operator). I also did a tour on independent duty with Company B 4th Recon Battalion assigned with the Inspector-Instructor Staff Billings Montana. Also independent duty on Recruiting duty in Bismark North Dakota. My main port or location was Camp Lejeune North Carolina. The pivot point to travel and adventure.

How are you Still Serving?

Joined the VFW in 2000 and have been active in leadership as Toys For Tots Chairman, Senior Vice Commander for 5 years, Junior Vice Commander for 8 years, and currently the Post Quartermaster for VFW Post 1119 in Coleemee NC. I volunteer at the VA by assisting as a shuttle driver to move veterans around the campus of the Salisbury VA and to pick up and take home Veterans in need of transportation within a 50 mile radius. I also visit with Veterans at the VA and assist with needs of the patients and to just share camaraderie. I’m an advocate to STOP SOLDIER SUICIDE of which I travel to raise funds to assist Veterans that have stepped into depression. Raising the funds that assist in treatment that saves lives. This is all done under the name of the VFW. When I receive word of a veteran in need of support, I am there. If a veteran is down and out with depression, I am there. I’ve traveled to recruit graduations from boot camps from Marine Corps Recuit Depot Paris Island SC to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Ca. This shows those there we are a brother and sisterhood, comrades in arms. From the youngest to the oldest. We share it just the same. No matter what branch of service. We are in it together.

Why do you do it?

I do this all, not to say; “LOOK WHAT I DONE”, but to save a life of a brother or sister of the Armed Forces. To decrease the numbers of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airman, and Coast Guards men and women of that lonely number of "22" a day in suicide. All I do is done in the name of the VFW. BIG SHOUT OUT to StopSoldierSuicide.org, my real life heroes saving lives, one Vet at a time not using meds…