When and why did you decide to join the military and where were you located when you made this decision?

I lived in Brooklyn, NY. I was looking for better opportunities for myself since I grew up without a lot of options. Also, I wanted to see the world. I enlisted in 1980.

Where did you serve during your time in uniform?

I served for 32 years in the military, in Afghanistan, Germany, Korea, Ansterdam, Honduras, Iraq, Kosovo, Africa and Nicaragua.

What were some of your key memories during your time of service? 

I don't have good memories. I lost many friends in Iraq and Afghanistan.

What is an important value that you took away from your military experience? 

Value, discipline, leadership, to always be aware and alert.

 What advice would you give someone interested in joining the military? 

The military is an opportunity to better yourself. It's a vast opportunity to learn skills, expertise in areas like medical, logistics, physical and mental hygiene, telecommunication, transportation, communication. You can learn and then come out of the military and continue in a skill you were taught.