#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran Kevin Elder

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Kevin Elder, who served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait.

Kevin Elder began his service with the Marine Corps in February 1987. He first served at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California with the 7th Engineer Support Battalion. Later, he transferred to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina with the 8th Engineer Battalion.

In November 1990, Elder deployed to Kuwait for Operation Desert Shield and later, Operation Desert Storm. For his service in Kuwait, Elder earned the Combat Action Ribbon and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

During his time in the Marine Corps, he also received a National Defense Service Medal, a Humanitarian Service Medal, a Kuwait Liberation Medal, a Navy Unit Commendation, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, a Southwest Asia Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Rifle Expert Badge. Elder discharged from the Marine Corps in February 1993.

Outside of his service, Elder obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of  Public Administration at the City University of New York – Queen’s College. Additionally, he served as a New York City police officer for eight years. Elder currently works at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a motor vehicle operator, assisting Veterans with transportation to their appointments. He has maintained close working relationships with local Veteran organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

When the COVID-19 crisis began, Elder established Guardians for Veterans, a nonprofit organization which helps disabled Veterans, individuals with limited mobility, homebound individuals, and seniors within his local community by organizing food drives and ensuring his community has adequate food and supplies. His organization has also aided Veterans with finding housing and provided transitional services such as vocational training assistance.

Elder currently resides in Nassau County, New York, with his wife and two children.

Thank you for your service!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Writer: Raymond Lin

Fact checker: Vivian Hurney

Graphic artist: Katie Rahill