2025/Dylan -32484

My dad is retired from the U.S. Navy, but he still supports our Military Service Members. He works for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) in the Marketing Department. He makes videos for our large marquees on Main Base and Hario Village to inform service members, their families and retirees about upcoming MWR events, trips to explore Japan, sports, and much more. What my dad likes most about working for the Navy is that he was a Mass Communication Specialist in the Navy. That's a fancy name for a sailor wearing multiple hats such as photographer, videographer, radio DJ (my favorite hat), and journalist. His present job is similar, but he concentrates mainly on video-making now.

“Making videos is a kind of magic for me. There's nothing quite like it. I get to tell a different kind of story, and I have a lot of freedom to make the videos I like. I try to make videos that make viewers wake up, pay attention and transport them somewhere else for a few seconds. And leave them with the desire to take action on the story I shared with them.”

The most interesting thing that my Dad has seen since exploring the world with the Military is Paris.

“What a beautiful city full of art, statues and fascinating history! Kyoto would be a close second though, for the same reasons (plus really great food).”

My Dad’s hobbies include painting.

Mixing colors and painting energizes him for about a week!

Working on his “beast” of a novel. Sometimes, he plays guitar/ukelele or harmonica. He likes taking care of our two dogs (both Kishu-ken). He really enjoys getting lost in a really good movie (or TV series). All of these things

influence the videos that he creates.

“Our family is not really big into tradition or formality. My wife

and I are from two different cultures. We do make it a point to go out every weekend somewhere with good food, coffee and a kid-friendly menu and just celebrate each other's company.”