I served eight years as an Air Transportation Supervisor in the US Air Force. My duties involved the loading/offloading of passengers, cargo, and weapons from military aircraft on extremely short time frames. Often, I was assigned to units where the workload was extremely heavy, remote, and prone to mobility orders. Some assignments included South Korea, Germany, Panama, and Canada.
I was promoted early and was twice decorated with the Air Force Commendation Medal, leaving service as a Staff Sergeant. One of my favorite parts of this position was arranging flights for Emergency Leave servicemembers back to the US from overseas locations.
I retired from the City of Mt. Airy (NC) as a water treatment plant operator where I provided safe drinking water for the citizens and businesses. Later, I became an adjunct professor, teaching history and humanities courses at five colleges. I worked hard to earn my public-school teacher’s certificate in South Carolina and taught for five years, until I had to give it up because of my deteriorating (kidney) health and had to make major life adjustments.
Of all the careers I have had, teaching was my favorite, as I got to know my students and had an active part in helping them learn and grow. To give back to my community, I volunteer at my local food bank. I am also an active member in my church.
My wife, Kim, and I have been married for 41 years, and we have two wonderful daughters, Lydia and Emilee. My family likes to travel, when my health allows it. I have been battling Berger’s (kidney) disease since at least my time in the military in the 1980s.
This disease was diagnosed upon my honorable discharge in 1988 and slowly progressed to stage five and necessitated my need for dialysis. In March of 2022, I started home peritoneal dialysis and will be reliant on it until I receive a transplant. Upon receipt of a living kidney donation, I would like to find employment and provide for my family.
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