Your Laser's Best Friend

"Dr. Don" (aka, "me") is a retired Navy Nuke and Submariner who qualified on the USS Parche, SSN-683. I was injured in my late 20s and was medically retired. Matt was born the same year my Navy career ended. While in and out of an Army hospital, I completed my first undergraduate degree in Applied Science and Technology, specializing in Nuclear Engineering Technology. The necessity of fatherhood, needing to provide for my family, and having service-connected disabilities caused me to engineer ways to do regular tasks for everyday life. To support my family, I used my VA education benefits to complete advanced degrees at Charleston Southern University, being one of the first people to earn a doctorate at the University. I give back by mentoring PhD students through their research, chairing dissertations, and serving on national and international missions with my church.

Matt graduated from Charleston Southern University with a Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Magna Cum Laude. He passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and is seeking licensure as an Engineer in Training in South Carolina. He is currently enrolled at Clemson University studying a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Matt is a recognized and highly sought after expert in CAD/CAM, 3D printing, design, and so much more. At 21-years old he filed for his first patent on the Dogbone. There are more in the works!

In 2021, he was invited to be part of a medical expedition to Mt. Everest Base Camp. In the middle of COVID, Matt and I went on another adventure and mission. As his father, I've taught him how to scuba dive, ride a motorcycle, rappel, and so much more. He's taught me so much about just being a Dad as well as all the things he assembles, maintains, modifies, and makes when we need something. Together and individually, Matt has traveled around the world for both pleasure and mission work. Needless to say, his mother and I are extremely proud of our son.