Why Our Community Gives

I know from personal experience that the programing can be very effective in helping a young person prepare for a bright future. When I was a cadet it helped build my self confidence.  The military structure gives a reward structure, if you will, that if you do well, you get rewarded with increased rank and the rewards that come with it.  Seeing young people flourish in this atmosphere is very rewarding and gratifying for me.  It drives me to want to do more.

I’ve stated many, many times that MMA changed my life.  I grew up. I matured.  I realized and accepted that only YOU can make the difference in where YOU are going.  I still use those learned principles to this day.   MMA made me who I am today.  I graduated with honors from college, obtaining a Masters Degree, credits toward my PhD., developed a successful business career and was elected to lead a fraternal group of 14,000 men, being the third youngest (in the 140 years of existence) to hold the position of CEO of The Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh and Hospital Board of Directors for the Erie and Cincinnati Shriners Hospitals for Children. I’ve also been honored to receive numerous accolades and recognition from charitable and government organizations over the years.  Leadership, confidence, drive, setting goals and working to make them happen, were all instilled in me from MMA. I have used those skills every day and they are the reasons for my success.