Military experience still shapes his life, even in retirement
I was caught in the draft, No. 46, but was able to join the U.S. Navy to meet my obligation as part of the USS Kitty Hawk's task team in the Tonkin Gulf in Vietnam. I had been married just 17 days in 1971 when I was deployed for 18 months.
My time in the Navy reinforced the importance of having a “band of brothers” that began for me as an Eagle Scout.
Upon returning to the States, my wife and I were able to begin again. But at home, we veterans faced a hostile America and were labeled as “baby killers.”
My military experience provided me confidence in chasing my dreams, finishing college and starting a business. We founded PRB Design, an architectural graphic design firm in Orlando, and my expertise in architectural specifications ultimately led to opportunities in working on Capitol Hill driving energy-efficiency policies for buildings. My military experience also inspired leadership opportunities, including serving as former president of the Construction Specifications Institute and board member for the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Now retired, I devote my time to helping veterans who were not as fortunate as I was. I volunteer with the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs in Williston to breed, train and pair certified service dogs with veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and mobility issues. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports veteran suicides at 22 per day across the country.
Paul R. Bertram Jr. Casselberry