I serve twenty and half years as a Cook in the United States Navy. During my tenure, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service operations, including planning menus, preparing and serving meals, managing inventory, and managing inventory, and maintaining food service facilities and equipment. Also, ensuring the health and morale of the crew through high-quality meals and hospitality management.
I worked in various environments, from ships to shore facilities, and support hospitality for receptions and performed administrative duties. Also, I went on major deployments in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to include Afghanistan and Persian Gulf. I received several expedition medals.
I retired from the military in Jacksonville, FL in May 2006. I decided to pursue a new career field in business administration. In 2007, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Columbia College of Jacksonville, FL. In 2013, I earned my Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Phoenix University at Jacksonville, FL. Higher education enabled me to reenter the federal government as an (GS) employee. For the next thirteen years, I successfully worked at the Internal Revenue Service, Veteran Health Administration, and the Naval Fleet Readiness Center.
I am currently divorced and have two children (Jonathan and Sophia). My son Jonathan (disable veteran) is currently married to his high school sweetheart Dekeya. They have been married since 2014 and have three children (Rylee, Elaiah, Josiah). I am also the caregiver for my 10-year-old daughter, Sophia, 
who is very sweet and enjoys gymnastics and being an active Girl Scout member. Also, I am a grandfather of three boys and two girls.
In 2017, I checked into the VA hospital where I needed to get lab work done due to an illness. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and hypertension. After visiting a nephrologist, I learned I had end stage renal kidney disease. In 2019, I was placed on Peritoneal dialysis so that I could continue to work. Peritoneal dialysis requires kidney disease patients to do dialysis seven days a week. In 2023, I found it difficult to continue to work and decided to change from Peritoneal dialysis to Hemodialysis treatment.
Currently, I receive Hemodialysis treatments three times a week. I had to begin watching what I ate and monitor how much liquid I took into my body. Dialysis treatments have limited my mobility and require advanced planning when I wish to travel out of state. My daily routine revolves around dialysis. Helping my daughter with her homework and Science projects brings me joy. Whenever my health permits, I make an effort to visit my family for reunions and Thanksgiving. I eagerly anticipate traveling to see my grandchildren more frequently once I receive my kidney transplant.
Upon receiving a new kidney, I want to get back to walking in my neighborhood with my dog, as well as going on a cruise in the Caribbean and Mexico. I would love to take my grandchildren to Universal Studio and Disney theme park.
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 Jon‘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