04/04/2025
A huge shout out and thank you to our newest Veteran Volunteer, Michael. Michael joined the U.S. Army immediately after graduating from high school in 2001. He served 12 years with the U.S. Army, including three deployments to Iraq, multiple years in Germany, and several years stateside as well. After the Army, he lived in Germany for four years before returning to the United States in 2017. Upon his return, he met his beautiful wife, who blessed him with his third child. Michael says after years of hard work trying to recover from his military service, he decided to return to school, where he is currently studying to obtain a Master of Social Work Degree. He said it is his dream to help veterans like himself find peace and purpose.
Here’s a little more about Michael’s military experience. Michael entered the Army in July 2001 and attended basic training with a MOS of Combat Tank Crewman at Fort Knox, KY. After graduating from OSUT in November 2001, Michael was sent to his first duty station in Friedberg, Germany, with the 2/37 Armor Battalion, 1st Armored Division. While at this duty station, Michael served as a driver, loader, and gunner for over 5 years, completing two tours in Iraq for a total of 28 months in theater. In 2006, Michael reclassified his MOS to Satellite Communications Operator/Maintainer. After completing training for this MOS at Fort Gordon, GA, Michael returned to Grafenwoehr, Germany, where he was stationed with the 57th Signal Company, 172nd Infantry for three years. After another one-year tour in Iraq with the 57th Signal Company, Michael returned to Fort Belvoir, VA, where he stayed until retirement. Out of the six campaigns in Iraq, Michael was present during 5 of them. During Michaels time in service, Michael received 4 Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Presidential Unit Citation, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal with 5 Campaign Stars, a Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, an Army Service Ribbon, and 3 Overseas Service Ribbons.
Michael is going to be a huge asset to our team, and we know his continued service will bring great comfort and companionship to our veteran patients. We are so glad that you are here with us on this journey, Michael! Thank you for becoming a hospice volunteer!
