From the small town of Monticello, Arkansas, to the expansive deserts of Kuwait, my journey has been driven by a deep-rooted respect and admiration for military service, instilled in me by my father. He was not just a Vietnam veteran who served two tours during a tumultuous era but also an Army Drill Sergeant whose pride in his uniform and dedication to his country deeply influenced my childhood dreams. Growing up, witnessing his honor and commitment, I was determined to follow in his formidable footsteps.
In 1989, my aspiration became a reality when I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at Fort Riley, Kansas, as an Ordnance Officer. Filled with fervor and eagerness, I ventured into airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, where I earned my wings—a badge of honor and a prelude to the challenges ahead. What I didn’t anticipate was my deployment to the Middle East during the Gulf War, a conflict that escalated swiftly when Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait.
As a First Lieutenant with the 36th Engineer Group, I found myself in Kuwait, tasked with a crucial role: ensuring that all U.S. military equipment was prepared and positioned for return back to the continental United States. This role, though pivotal, also exposed me to the harsh realities of war and its aftermath on soldiers.
Returning home, now as a service-disabled veteran, I carry both my experiences and my father’s legacy. Witnessing first-hand the difficulties veterans face as they transition from the structured world of military service to civilian life, I was compelled to act. Thus, the Veteran Support Network Corporation (VSNC) was born. Our mission is simple yet profound: to honor and support our veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life.
At VSNC, we recognize that the transition can be daunting. Many veterans struggle not just with physical ailments but also with finding their place back home. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of healthcare, securing housing, pursuing education, or needing legal and financial support, we are here to assist. We are here to ensure that our veterans, who have contributed so decisively to the freedoms we cherish, receive the support and recognition they deserve.
Our vision is clear—a world where veterans are not only supported but are also thriving, empowered to bring forth the skills and attributes they honed in the military into their civilian lives. At VSNC, we are committed to being a beacon of hope and support, reminding our veterans that they are the reason our flag waves so proudly under our skies.
Join us in this critical mission. Together, we can ensure that no veteran feels overlooked or forgotten as they embark on their new journey outside the military. Let us help them transition with the dignity and respect they deserve, honoring every step they take in civilian clothes as much as we honor their service in uniform.
