Founded the Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior Program. Working to assist, support and advocate for our Veterans and Military Families.Recipient of: National Guard Minuteman Award2008 Dearborn Veteran of the Year2012 Michigan Veteran of the Year2013 Michigan Legionnaire of the Year2015 American Legion Dept. of Mich. Good Guy Award RecipientSome major projects and initiatives include:Created and established the Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior Program for the American Legion Department of Michigan. This program provides Wounded and Returning veterans with all expenses paid family retreats to Michigan Resort locations, Emergency Financial Aid, Adaptive sports therapy, Eco-Therapy Group PTSD Retreats in partnership with the Michigan Psychological Association Foundation, Reintegration Assistance and Community Awareness presentations on the effects of combat trauma on the service member and their family.Successfully authored and submitted a grant proposal resulting in the Dept. of Michigan receiving one of five Sesame Rooms donated to the American Legion nationally by Sesame Workshop in New York. Created and launched The Elmobility Room which was the first Mobile Sesame Room concept in the nation which travels from unit to unit when requested to serve the many National Guard and Reserve units throughout Michigan. The Reconnect Committee was also granted a second Sesame Room for our Wilwin Lodge in the Upper Peninsula as a result of our success with this project.Created and established the American Legion Department of Michigan Patriot Endowment Fund to help veterans of all eras who do not qualify for other exisiting emergency temporary financial assistance options.Coordinated an effort with ACO Hardware of Michigan to collect and ship 3 tons of sporting goods to our troops in Iraq with the help Kalitta Air Services of Ypsilanti, MI.