I served in the US Army from 1985-1993 and from 2005-2012. I reenlisted after the attacks of 9/11 because I felt there was something more that I could give our great nation. In 2012, I retired due to injuries I sustained in Afghanistan. Part of my duties as a Non-Commissioned Officer includes taking care of my soldiers. Upon retiring no one relieved me of this responsibility, so I continue to take care of my soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guard men and women through volunteerism with several different service organizations. I am a certified Peer Support Specialist through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I was a Veteran Service Officer with the Winnebago County Veterans Assistance Commission, The Purple Hearts and Vietnam Veterans of America organizations. In my duties as a Veteran Service Officer I brought 1,952 cases to successful conclusions. Additionally, I have secured through the VA over 14 million dollars' worth of surplus military clothing and equipment for stand downs in three different states over the course of six years. This surplus allowed upwards of 3,200 homeless or disadvantaged veterans to survive the harsh Midwest winters. I have also been a board member of the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation since 2016.
While deployed to Afghanistan in 2008-2009, I noticed that there were monuments to those who had passed away in Afghanistan. There was nothing to honor the living. I decided to paint the patches of units that came through my area. I could get paint and brushes but not paint thinner. Not wanting to waste a lot of brushes I noticed one day that I had chewed down a tooth pick so that it looked like a brush. There were plenty of toothpicks and they are biodegradable. I completed over 150 murals in my spare time. They still adorn walls in Afghanistan. I continue to paint this way as a way to honor my fellow service members past and present.
Organizations which will receive 20% of all internet sales for 2022 are:
Jan-Mar Miss Carly's - https://www.misscarlys.org/ 1125 5th Ave
Rockford, IL 61104
They provide meals to anyone who is hungry, 24/7, no questions asked, as well as clothing 3 days a week.
Apr-Jun The Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation - https://ajlynchfoundation.org/ 6615 Grand Ave., Suite B, PMB 415,
Gurnee, IL 60031
847.772.1558
They partner with veteran friendly organizations to provide assistance and relief to veterans and their immediate family members
Jul- Sep St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/ 262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105
800 822-6344 Donor Services
866 278-5833 Hospital Main Line
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Oct-Dec GiGi's Playhouse - https://gigisplayhouse.org/rockford/ 8801 N. Second St. Suite 2
Machesney Park, IL 61115
815-654-PLAY (7529)
They provide help for people and families with Down Syndrome.
Even if you do not buy an item from this site, I would ask you to consider supporting the organizations listed above. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jeff Metheny joined Pixels.com Licensing on December 14th, 2020.
