As senior vice commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 47 in Big Spring, Texas, Mike Tarpley is committed to ensuring other Veterans take full advantage of the benefits they’ve earned. He’s also committed to spreading the word about VA’s virtual care options – especially My HealtheVet, which lets him see his records and contact his care team.

Tarpley served for three years in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and is a two-time Purple Heart recipient who spent 363 days in hospitals for various injuries during active duty.

After being hit by a hand grenade and losing his front teeth, Tarpley refused to be medically evacuated for surgery. “I was a sergeant. I had to get back to my men,” he recalled. It wasn’t until he suffered a career-ending injury to his ankle that he agreed to be discharged.

Tarpley’s strong work ethic and (as he says) hardheadedness stuck with him after transitioning out of the military. After returning home, he worked 35 years on oil rigs until he was physically incapable of continuing the work. “It wasn’t until I got older that I realized my body had been through a lot. I just sort of realized I earned these benefits. I may as well use them.”

In addition to his DAV work, Tarpley has accumulated nearly 14,000 volunteer hours and was awarded Big Spring’s Man of the Year award.

Read more on VA News.