Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served in the US Navy from 1984 – 1993 and in the Michigan Army National Guard from 1999 – 2010. I was deployed to Mosul Iraq from 2006-07 and have completed numerous deployments in both the Navy and MIARNG.

How are you Still Serving?

I am still serving today by supporting fellow veterans through storytelling with Veterans Archives. Many veterans carry experiences that are difficult to talk about, and too often those stories stay bottled up long after service ends. By creating a respectful, judgment-free space for veterans to share their stories in their own words, I’ve seen how storytelling can be healing. Being heard, feeling understood, and knowing their experiences matter can have a meaningful impact on mental and emotional well-being. For many veterans, telling their story is the first time they’ve ever said certain things out loud. Through this work, I continue to serve the veteran community by honoring their experiences, preserving their legacy, and helping veterans reconnect — with their own stories, with their families, and with each other.

Why do you do it?

I do it because I know firsthand how powerful storytelling can be. I struggled with my own mental health for years after leaving the military, and it wasn’t until I began telling my story that I started to truly heal. Being heard mattered. Now, through Veterans Archives, I help fellow veterans find that same space — a place where their experiences are respected, their voices matter, and they don’t have to carry everything alone. Helping another veteran tell their story is how I continue to serve.