John Summers, a lifelong resident of Lake County Indiana, dedicates much of his time to supporting fellow veterans. Summers volunteers for a local non-profit organization called Operation Charlie Bravo (OCB). Having the opportunity to use his skills to help support others gives Summers a feeling of purpose.
Summers was born in Hammond, and around the age of 3, moved to Crown Point. He attended Merrillville High School. After graduation, Summers attended two years of college, studying computer science, information technology, and information security.
Summers spent about six years serving in the United States Army. He was an Army Healthcare Specialist, also known as a medic. After sustaining an injury, Summers was medically retired in 2013 and is now considered 100% disabled through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
After being medically retired from the United States Army, Summers began seeing a therapist. When the therapist fell into circumstances leading him to have to quit practicing, it was suggested that Summers look into OCB.
“On Thursday nights, OCB offers a program called Lima Charlie,” Summers said. “Lima Charlie is a play on a military mechanism. It means ‘loud and clear.’ That means I read you, Lima Charlie. I’m listening and I hear you. It’s a group where you can be surrounded by people who care and want to listen, an opportunity to unload and to make friends.”
Summers volunteers often. He enjoys having something to keep him busy, that is impactful and that he is passionate about. Having recently welcomed a new baby to his family, he now volunteers two to four times a week. Through his work with the non-profit, Summers utilizes his skills to make a meaningful difference.
“Robert Anderson and myself are what could be referred to as the executive directors,” Summers said. “We are the left and right hand. Whether it is administrative programs, Lima Charlie, paperwork, or whatever our skill set lends us the ability to do, we have done it. For example, I am planning to install a phone line at the charity headquarters.”
Computers and technology have been a life-long passion for Summers. He recalls the time he was 7 years old and his family had recently acquired their first home computer. Within the month, Summers had taken the machine apart. When his dad caught him with the computer in pieces, all he had to say was “It better work.”
Summers believes in the importance of a supportive circle. He sees the impact that a circle makes on members of OCB, as well as the support that his close friends have offered to him. Being openly yourself and sharing connections with others has been an important resource for Summers.
“It’s okay to be weird, to be yourself,” Summers said. “You will find people who like it, or who are just as weird as you. Having people who you know are there, who really love you and care is important. When overcoming challenges in life, my circle of people has been my greatest support. It is okay to ask for help.”