DISTRICT6@VFWMI.ORG

I was born and Raised in Springport, Michigan. I graduated from Springport High School in 1972 and enlisted in the United States Air Force on 22 June 1972.  I received training at Lowery AFB, Denver, Colorado as an Armament Systems Specialist and was assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB, in Goldsboro, North Carolina 22 December 1972. In March of 1973 I was deployed to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base for seven months in support of the Vietnam War loading weapons on F-4 aircraft.  This assignment is where I met my eligibility requirement to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars by receiving the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and became a Life Member.  I returned to Seymour Johnson AFB for 9 months and was then sent to Korat Royal Thai AFB, for 12 months where I worked on F-111D and then AC-130 Spectre Gunships. While there I provided support for the evacuation of Saigon and assisted in the S. S. Mayaguez incident where I earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. From Thailand I was assigned to Minot AFB, North Dakota and worked on B-52H model bombers from 1975 to 1982. In August 1982 I was assigned to Anderson AFB, Guam where I worked on B-52D & G models for 2 years. September 1984 I was assigned to Shaw AFB, in Sumter, South Carolina working on F-16 fighter jets. This is where I finished my 20-year career in the United States Air Force and retired as an E-7 Master Sergeant on 1 July 1992. I was awarded 2 Meritorious Service medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, National Defense Service Medal.

In 2005 I moved back to Springport, Michigan and became highly active in VFW Post 6056 activities.  In 2006 I was elected as Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 6056. In 2007 I was elected as Post Commander and served in that position until 2019. All-State Post Commander 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019. Served on several Post Committees. Elected as District 6 Jr. Vice Commander 2018-2019, District 6 Sr. Vice Commander 2019-2020, District 6 Commander 2020-2021. Became a Gold Legacy Life Member in 2019. Commander of American Legion Bernhiesel-Riley Post 313, 2008 to present.