DJ began his work with United Way of West Florida in 2019 as a founding member of the statewide Florida Veteran Support Line, serving as a Veteran Care Coordinator. In 2020, he earned his Florida Board Certification as a Certified Veteran Recovery Peer Specialist, helping veterans and their families navigate critical challenges. His greatest passion is being present for veterans during their times of need.
DJ is also a certified Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Trainer and regularly teaches community classes on suicide prevention. He is an active member of the EscaRosa Suicide Prevention Veterans Task Force, working to reduce the number of veteran suicides in the region.
A retired U.S. Air Force veteran, DJ served until 2004 and then spent years at Fort Campbell Army Installation as a defense contractor, raising his family and deepening his commitment to community service. There, he served as a church deacon and volunteered in several nonprofit efforts, including running a mobile food truck and coaching in a special needs athletic league. Using his 9/11 GI Bill, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Austin Peay State University in 2018.
Originally from Circleville, Ohio, DJ and his wife, Brenda—married for 38 years—now reside in Milton, Florida. Brenda is a kindergarten teacher in the Santa Rosa County School District. They have two adult children and two beloved fur babies at home. Together, they enjoy spending time with family, relaxing at the beach, traveling, and serving in their church.