I retired from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) after more than 20 years of service as an electronic engineer for missile weapons systems. My tours included Kuwait, Afghanistan, Germany, and Korea. While not a combat veteran, I earned the Meritorious Service Medal. The part of the service I enjoyed most was mentoring young soldiers, teaching them how to survive and succeed.
After retiring from the Army, I continued working with the Department of Defense for 15 years as a logistics engineer assistant representative with the Aviation and Missile Command. I found great satisfaction in supporting soldiers from the civilian side, making sure they had the systems and resources to do their jobs safely and effectively.
I’ve been married for over 30 years, and family is my foundation. I’m proud to be the father of a son who followed me into the military and retired as well, and now my grandson is considering beginning his own service. My daughter and granddaughter — who just started college — along with my wife and even our family dog, are “my girls” and the heart of my world.
I was first diagnosed with kidney problems in 2000. I began dialysis in 2021, and it has helped sustain me but limits my energy and strength compared to before. Fatigue is the biggest challenge, and I am not able to be as active as I once was.
What I look forward to most after a transplant is regaining the ability to take long walks with my wife, enjoy bowling, and travel with my family. I also want to stay involved with my church and veteran community, especially through the VFW, where fellowship and service have always given me strength.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save John’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611