This article features Michael L. Snyder

I, Michael Snyder was born at Camp Lejune, North Carolina. I was raised in a Marine home until my father passed away. My step- father was a contractor/farmer so hard work was part of my upbringing. I was raised mostly in PA in different locations throughout the state until I graduated from Southmoreland Senior High School in ‘73. I enlisted in the Air Force while still a senior. My first stop was Lackland AFB, Texas for basic training; a totally different experience in life. My second stop still had me in Texas at Sheppard AFB for training to be an aircraft mechanic. Fighters, Attack, and Trainer aircraft offered a new path and new friends. I started playing around with photography as a hobby, one which I still enjoy even today.

My first and only duty station (Dover AFB) was the largest C-5 Base in the country it was amazing on how much cargo, manpower and different supplies was sent all over the word, with the privilege of a few TDY’s (Temporary Duty Station) to Germany, and Italy and several different locations here in the states for Air Shows. I also worked in the Maintenance Control Center,
Working as a C-5 Crew Chief gave me a lot of challenges and responsibilities along with the opportunity to train the younger airman under my leadership.

Being married with two young daughters also added to my responsibility but it was an honor to watch them grow while as a young airman growing with them. To date I’ve add two step-sons, nine grand-children, and two great grand-children.

I was raised as a Marine Brat and had a Christain mother. My family upbringing was a great foundation for where I am today.

After retirement from the service, I was lost for a while, but I was invited to a new group of Vietnam Veterans in Delaware by a co-worker that was a brother as well.

VVA 850 really helped me through some rough times in my life. A few of my former co-workers also helped me achieve peace and strength.

Another vet, Tony Caffet and I started the Veterans United Outreach of Delaware. We started with information for the Vietnam Veterans Generation and we have expanded to networking with

Federal, State, and local organizations. This is what make us different from other veterans’ groups; not realizing that I was networking even while I was still in uniform.

Our team reaches out to all military, veterans, and caregivers physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

It has been and still is such an honor to serve in my home church, Calvary Assembly of God in Dover and the Veterans United Outreach of Delaware. These extended families really are such a blessing to me and keep my marbles all in one place. I’d be lost again without them!

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine