Yorba Linda, CA June 2024

STYLE + BEAUTY

SKIN CARE TO FATHERHOOD'S WISDOM.

HOME + DESIGN

AC & HEATING EXCELLENCEFAMILY LEGACY.

LIFE + CULTURE

MARINE'S JOURNEY: SERVICE, SACRIFICE, FAMILY DEVOTION.

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The Men's Issue

As we celebrate the essence of fatherhood this month, it brings to mind the profound impact fathers and father figures have on shaping our lives and communities.

It is with this sentiment in mind that we dedicate this issue to the gentlemen among us who embody the spirit of fatherhood in its various forms. Whether you are a devoted dad, a caring son, a doting granddad, a supportive uncle, or a steadfast brother, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable roles you play within your families and communities.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, below are a few ways a dad’s impact is felt:

• Strength can be powerful

• Words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

In the pages that follow, we celebrate the dedication, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to nurturing and uplifting those around you. From coaching sports teams to helping with homework, from working tirelessly to provide for your loved ones to simply being there when needed most, your contributions do not go unnoticed.

As we honor the men who enrich our lives with their presence and guidance, let us take a moment to express our gratitude for the lasting impact you make each day. Your influence extends far beyond the confines of familial bonds, shaping the very fabric of our society with your kindness, strength, and resilience.

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Wishing all a Happy Father’s Day!

Thank you for reading Lifestyle, and I hope to see you around town.

BRIAN PATCHETT,

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Brian Patchett | brian.patchett@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tawanna Cullen | tawanna.cullen@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Heather Whitistt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Art Cordero, CoreMedia Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

INTERIOR EXTERIOR DESIGNS, INC.

Pickleball

Coo

Family-owned

As a dad and physician, Skin Nirvana’s Dr. Richard S. Han takes fatherhood to heart.

Through the Big Brothers Big Sisters California program, mentor Chris Pyon and mentee Angel Hernandez have built a lifelong— and

Jayden currently serves in the Air Force.

“My wife has always been active and enjoyed being outdoors.

Due to a sudden stroke, she found herself in a health crisis and required post-acute rehabilitation. She needed 24-hour nursing care, assistance with eating and physical, occupational and speech therapy. For her post-acute needs, we chose Park Vista Skilled Nursing – an established facility located in Fullerton. We had a great experience!”

– Fullerton family member

Classique Worldwide Transportation

Classique Worldwide Transportation offers the pinnacle of modern luxury travel, providing unparalleled comfort in corporate and personal transportation. With professionalism and reliability guaranteed every time you travel, they maintain a fully licensed and insured fleet ranging from sleek 3-passenger sedans to spacious 54-passenger motor coaches. “With a focus on building lasting relationships with our clients, we take extreme care in the service we provide to you, your family, guests, and colleagues.” www.classiquelimo.com

Want to be featured?

Planes of Fame Air Museum

The Museum’s Chino location is home to nearly 100 aircraft, many restored to flying condition.  Our collection spans the earliest days of aviation, including the First World War, the 1920s and 1930s, World War II, and Korea and Vietnam. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Museum’s Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” will be open to visitors to safely enter and learn about the men and women who designed, built, and flew these massive bombers during World War II www.planesoffame.org

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StretchLab Anaheim Hills

StretchLab offers a transformative wellness experience through customized assisted-stretch sessions in a welcoming individual or group environment. Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance performance, someone seeking relief from muscle or joint discomfort, or simply aiming to improve flexibility and reduce stress, StretchLab caters to all needs. Their professional assistance ensures safe and effective stretching, tailored to individual requirements. Visit StretchLab to discover the life-changing benefits of incorporating regular stretching into your routine. www.stretchlab.com/location/anaheimhills

Pickleball First Pro Shop in Anaheim offers an expert staff and pickleball gear suitable for players of all experience levels.

Welcome to A Pickleball Player’s Paradise

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT

Since venturing into pickleball from the world of tennis six years ago, Ronnie Nemchock has helped grow the sport all over the Orange County and Southern California markets.

Through private clubs and city facilities connections, Ronnie has become a pioneer in the Southern California pickleball movement.

With the highly anticipated addition of Anaheim’s Pickleball First Pro Shop, the first brick-and-mortar store in Orange County dedicated 100% to pickleball, players from beginning to advanced now have access to the perfect gear for the game.

The employees, who are all pickleball players, eagerly lend their expertise to shoppers.

“We have all your top brands in the pickleball space, from paddles, protective eyewear, bags, apparel, balls, and more,” says Ronnie.

“The most valuable thing for a customer to experience what they are buying is The Demo Program. This is where you can test the equipment before you buy the product, such as the paddles.”

The store is also ideally located.

“We’re connected to the Anaheim Tennis and Pickleball Center, which has 10 Pickleball Courts, which is a great way for you to test the paddles out before you buy them. I plan on opening more stores in Orange County because I think a lot of people want to touch and feel the paddles in hand before buying. Going online and buying something you haven’t played with is difficult.”

Ronnie encourages pickleball enthusiasts and anyone interested in giving the game a shot to stop by and see what this rapidly growing, friendly community is all about.

“We are a local business looking to support and grow the sport of Pickleball in Orange County. We support several charities, local pickleball tournaments, and other fun social events in Orange County. Come and check us out!”

Visit www.facebook.com/ PickleballFirstProShop for more information.

Ronnie Nemchock opened Pickleball First store in N. Orange County

Everything you need can be found at Pickleball First

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FAMILY-OWNED LOCAL BUSINESS SERVES ALL OF ORANGE COUNTY’S 44 CITIES

Cool Air Technologies: Putting Families First

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT

Bill with his two sons, Scott and Michael

Bill & Trish McIntosh

“We look forward to being a multi-generational company that will service Orange County for decades!”

Stay cool this Father’s Day—and all summer long— thanks to the superior service you can trust at Cool Air Technologies.

“A lot of other A.C. companies do solar and plumbing, but at Cool Air Technologies, all we do is heating and air conditioning—and we do it right! It’s our complete focus,” says founder Bill McIntosh.

“We are a full-service HVAC company, which means we do everything from installing new systems and providing service to maintaining the system for longevity.”

For almost 30 years, Cool Air Technologies, a self-proclaimed “mom and pop” shop, has provided all 44 cities in Orange County with excellent customer care and efficiency.

The same guy that you see pictured in our logo is the same guy who will show up at your door! A little more greyer... and maybe a little bit wiser too!

Not only does Cool Air Technologies keep families and their homes cool through the dog days of summer (and warm in the winter)—they do it in a top-tier, innovative style.

“We are factory-trained by our manufacturer and receive continuous education in the HVAC field. We stay up to date on all the newest features and energy-saving equipment in the market,” says Bill.

Cool Air Technologies, is Orange County’s top dealer for our manufacturer. Customers deal directly with the owner, ensuring personalized service and the best deals.

“Perhaps that’s why we’ve received numerous awards and over 5,500 5 Star Ratings from our customers,” notes Bill.

“From Angi’s to Yelp and Google, we’ve consistently maintained our 5-star ratings. We’ve also had the privilege of receiving Angi’s Gold Award, which is only awarded to the top 2% of

all of its contractors, based on the categories of price, customer satisfaction, and responsiveness,” he continues.

“It also means that Angi was so confident in our ability to provide the best quality and service to our customers, that they personally guaranteed a refund if anyone was unsatisfied.”

What’s the secret to their long-running success?

“We are proud to have the best installers in the business, including a father/son team who have been with us for years,” says Bill.

“When you’re getting a new system, how it is installed is the most important aspect in ensuring a long system lifespan,” he explains.

On the family front, Bill and his wife, Trish, are proud parents to two sons, both of whom are wellversed in the family business.

After all, they’ve been around the business from a young age, running parts, delivering equipment, and helping Dad in the field.

“We’re a tight-knit family, and our boys mean the world to us! Being able to pass on a skill/trade to them that allows us all to work together is a dream come true for me,” says Bill.

One son is finishing school this year and the other next year so they’ll have the skills to take over one day. In the meantime, Bill will always be there to support them and continue to work alongside them for years to come.

“It’s an honor to now be able to support our second-generation clients—their parents were our original clients, and now we’re helping their grown children. It’s great to see them all grown up as homeowners,” he says.

“We look forward to being a multi-generational company that will service Orange County for decades!”

Dr. Han: A Physician’s Paternal Instinct

AS A DAD AND PHYSICIAN, SKIN NIRVANA’S DR. RICHARD S. HAN TAKES FATHERHOOD TO HEART.

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT

Life is all about loving the skin you’re in–but sometimes, your skin needs a little help along the way.

Over the past 18 years, Dr. Richard S. Han has garnered extensive experience in the aesthetic industry.

When he’s not busy getting patients glowing from the inside out as the Medical Director of Skin Nirvana Medspa in beautiful Anaheim Hills, Dr. Han can be found partaking in his life’s greatest accomplishment–being a dedicated father.

“Being a father means you are no longer just living for yourself.   My life is devoted to my wife and my children, whether that be providing financial stability or emotional support.  It requires sacrificing time and effort to nurture that son or daughter into a person of compassion.”

To Dr. Han, that includes loving and supporting your children for exactly who they are.

“Love will show through your actions and, eventually, their actions. It is not

Dr. Han & Family

“Love will show through your actions and, eventually your children's actions. It’s not measured by what success your children may have in the future, but what kind of person they turn out to be.” -Dr. Han

measured by what success your children may have in the future, but what kind of person they turn out to be.”

Reflecting on his own experiences growing up, he feels gratitude for everything he had–and everything he didn’t, because it all played a part in shaping the father he has become.

“I worked throughout my college years and struggled to pay for my education. Being a physician has allowed me to give my children the opportunity to have a little more time to enjoy those years.”

Dr. Han leads Skin Nirvana, which provides cutting-edge laser treatments, Botox, dermal fillers, facials, peels, and semaglutide weight-loss program.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives. In many ways, my patients feel like an extension of my own family. I offer them guidance as they navigate their path towards healthier skin, even when it’s not necessarily what they want to hear.”

Dr. Han notes that while most men might not expect too much on Father’s Day, receiving recognition from your loved ones is truly priceless.

“We all need reassurance and appreciation. It is important to pause and acknowledge all the blessings we have, including all the contributions our fathers have made in our lives.”

Welcome to Skin Nirvana!

Dr. Han, Skin Nirvana

CEO

UCI HEALTH ACQUIRES PLACENTIA-LINDA HOSPITAL

UCI Health expands, enhancing care in Southern California. Discover academic excellence and community-centered healthcare.

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT

UCI Health, the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine, completed the acquisition of four hospitals and associated outpatient locations from Tenet Healthcare Corporation in April of this year. The new name of Placentia-Linda Hospital will be UCI Health - Placentia Linda.

“This visionary leap forward will bridge gaps in regional care and advance the University of California’s mission to serve our communities through academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and dedicated public service.”

The team members at Fountain Valley, Placentia Linda, Lakewood Regional, and Los Alamitos medical centers are now a part of UCI Health.

“We celebrate the transformation of UCI Health as a leader in the integration of academic and community-based health systems while promoting solutions to challenges facing healthcare,” says UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman.

FredValtairo, UCIHealth- Placentia Linda,

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, UCI Health-Placentia Linda Hospital

“This visionary leap forward will bridge gaps in regional care and advance the University of California’s mission to serve our communities through academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and dedicated public service.”

As Orange County’s only academic health system, UCI Health plays a unique and critical role in providing healthcare across the region.

This acquisition builds on that commitment to improve health in communities by expanding unrestricted healthcare access for more people in Southern California.

“UCI Health has built a legacy as a nationally regarded academic health system that is fiercely dedicated to improving the health of our communities. We are investing in building a healthier future for people that harnesses the power of advanced medicine with the convenience of care available close to home,” said Chad Lefteris, president and chief executive officer of UCI Health.

Lefteris said UCI Health recognizes a unique opportunity to build on the quality care already being delivered in the communities served by these hospitals.

Patients of the former Tenet hospitals and outpatient offices can continue receiving care at their local facilities as they normally would from their trusted physicians and care teams.

“Our goal is to become the nation’s friendliest and most accessible academic health system,” he says.

The acquisition adds 858 inpatient beds that, when paired with the 459 licensed beds at UCI Medical Center in Orange, strengthens UC Irvine’s ability to meet the continually increasing demand for inpatient beds for a range of intensive and critical care needs.

“UCI Health is backed by the power of a world-class public research institution, reflected in the academic excellence of the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences,” said Steve A.N. Goldstein, MD, PhD, FAAP, Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs, UC Irvine.

“This combination is advancing healthcare solutions and innovations in Southern California and beyond. Together, with the physicians and clinicians in the new medical centers, UCI Health is building bridges for collaboration between academic and community-based healthcare and offering more people across California access to the highest caliber of healthcare.”

More patients will have access to advanced therapies in the region’s largest and most diverse portfolio of clinical trials, ranging from cancer to neurosciences, digestive diseases, orthopedics, and internal medicine specialties.

UCI Health has consistently placed in the top 10 for quality and safety among the nation’s leading comprehensive academic health systems and received the top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Award from the Clinical Research Forum.

“We deeply appreciate the enthusiasm and support we have received since announcing this new chapter for healthcare in our region,” said Lefteris.

“Now, we can begin strengthening the collaboration with local physicians and patients to expand healthcare services and provide unrestricted access for more people. Together, we will be an innovative, powerful team that will transform to meet the health needs of our communities.”

UCI Health - Placentia Linda CEO, Fred Valtairo added, "Our visionary staff and physicians will continue to grow our esteemed hospital and bring state-of-the-art health care to the communities we serve. UCI HealthPlacentia Linda is a vital piece of the Orange County healthcare landscape, and this joining of forces will allow us to fulfill a promise that we made to our community during our 50th-anniversary celebration just a couple of years ago – to prepare our hospital for the next 50 years—a promise to preserve our proud legacy while building a foundation for new achievements.”  To learn more about UCI Health, visit  www.ucihealth.org

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT

BUILDING AN UNBREAKABLE BOND THROUGH MENTORSHIP

THROUGH THE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS CALIFORNIA PROGRAM, MENTOR CHRIS PYON AND MENTEE ANGEL HERNANDEZ HAVE BUILT A LIFELONG—AND LIFE-CHANGING—RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER.

Angel Hernandez, 19, and Chris Pyon, 33, share a remarkable story—a testament to the profound impact a positive mentor can have on a young person’s life.

Their connection goes beyond the conventional mentor/mentee dynamic, as the two have grown up together, navigating shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs as a team.

Angel first joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters program when he was 8 years old, growing up in Fullerton and being raised by a single mother. He soon found a father figure in Chris, who, from the start, remained

Bright Futures Brunch_ BBBS Class of 2024 Graduation Event

BBBS Chris Pyon and Angel Hernandez

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is a terrific agency that allowed me to share my time and resources in areas where I wanted to give back.”

steadfast in his commitment to understanding Angel’s unique struggles, particularly his journey of self-acceptance, dealing with the aftermath of bullying, and self-doubt about his physical difference.

Chris stood by Angel’s side when he faced mental health challenges, offering unwavering support and creating a safe space for him to share and work through his emotions.

Chris was also there to celebrate Angel’s triumphs, like high school graduation, right alongside him. Through it all—the highs and the lows—he always reminded Angel of his true potential and reinforced his ability to achieve anything he set his mind to.

What sets Chris and Angel’s pairing apart is the enduring nature of their relationship. Even as Angel has transitioned into young adulthood, navigating his first year of college at Cal State Long Beach and pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, the two still meet every two weeks to ensure Angel has the support he needs to continue to thrive and succeed.

Chris and Angel, who were named Big Brothers Big Sisters of California’s 2024 Bigs & Littles of the Year, are nothing short of an inspiration, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship and the lasting impact it can bring to both mentor and mentee through lifelong, lasting friendship. To “Join the mentoring movement” or “Learn about volunteer opportunities” visit www.ocbigs.org

Chris & Angel enjoying time together.

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

Get fit for equipment.

01.

If you are buying clubs off the rack, you aren’t giving yourself the best chance for success. Golf technology is evolving every year, and although you don’t need to buy a new driver each year, if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip. The clubs don’t swing themselves, so don’t neglect instruction and practice, but getting the right equipment is a vital piece of the puzzle.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

Get good golf instruction, REGULARLY.

02.

We’ve all heard someone say, “I should get a lesson sometime.” To be effective, you need regular lessons from a PGA certified pro, not just one lesson. Getting quality instruction from the same instructor can turn slices into draws and give you the confidence to play with anyone on any course. Years ago, golf instructors started instruction with chipping and putting and then graduated to the driver. Now, instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first. My friend regularly outdrives me by 50 yards, but my ball is in the hole first most of the time because of my training and practice on the short game.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

03.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads:

Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz

Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs

Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

Practice your short game every day.

04.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

Instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first.

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JUNE 2024

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 1ST

Kids' Community Swap Meet

4501 Casa Loma Avenue Yorba Linda, CA 92886 | 8:00 AM

This is a great chance to clear out your closets and help your children earn extra money. The event is designed to give children ages 5-15 years old the opportunity to sell gently used toys, clothing, sporting goods, books, and furniture all while learning valuable lessons about money. Cost: Free for shoppers/$15 per participant.Time: 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. Call (714) 961-7192.

JUNE 2ND

23rd annual Celebration of the Arts and Music Festival

Hurless Barton Park, 4601 Casa Loma Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 | 11:00 AM

The Yorba Linda Arts Alliance Foundation and the Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Department present the 23rd annual Celebration of the Arts and Music Festival. This family-friendly will feature dozens of local artists showcasing unique, quality handcrafted items for purchase. Explore a diverse array of arts and crafts, and enjoy live entertainment and food. FREE. Time:11 am to 4 pm.

JUNE 5TH

Big Wednesdays Car Show at the Den-Lone Wolf Brewing Co

18210 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, Ca. 92886 | 5:00 PM

Car Show every Wednesday night starting at 5 pm in front of Lone Wolf Brewing Co./Packing House Center. Show and Shine, Muscle Cars, Customs, Classics,

Rods, Bikes and Trucks. Raffle and Prizes, fun for the whole family.Beer and Food Specials every week 50/50 drawing Raffles & Prizes. Big Wednesdays presented by MAC Speed and Customs. 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

JUNE 15TH

Full Circle Yoga & Healing Arts-Holistic Health Fair

17451 Bastanchury Rd. Ste. 101-B, Yorba LInda, CA  | 10:00 AM

Full Circle Yoga & Healing Arts has revived the Holistic Health Fairs to be held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Vendors & Services include Rowan Tree Reiki, doTERRA Oils, CBD products, Rooted Oak chair yoga, Arbonne, tarot readings, onthe-spot healings, Zen painting for relaxation, and The Daily Dozen for a plantbased lifestyle. 3rd Saturday monthly. Contact at 714-404-2576.

JUNE 16TH

Flying Deuces Father’s Day CRUISIN' BREA CAR Show

330 W Birch St, Brea, CA 92821 10:00 AM

Bring the entire family and treat Dad to Southern California’s hottest car show! This year’s show will have a lot of variety and will be the largest one ever. Downtown Brea has plenty of restaurants, shops, and 12 Edwards Theaters to entertain everyone. Bring a can of food for the Orange County Food Bank – Let’s Help those without Food! Time: 10 am-4 pm

JUNE 23RD

Expressions: Concert and Artwalk series

4802 Lakeview Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886, USA | 1:00 PM

Join the Yorba Linda Arts Alliance Foundation and the Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center for a vibrant afternoon presenting "Expressions", a Concert and ArtWalk series. Enjoy a free concert featuring the El Dorado High School Jazz band, artisan vendors, food trucks, and kids activities. Time: 1 pm to 4 pm.

“MARINE MEETS FATHERHOOD”

Balancing fatherhood and serving as a Marine shaped Kyle Dulaney into who he is today.

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT

Growing up in a small town in Southern Illinois, where the population barely reached 5,000, Kyle Dulaney had his sights set on becoming a kindergarten teacher.

However, as they often do, Kyle’s plans changed.

“Both of my parents were teachers for over 36 years. I was tired of doing the same thing and wanted something bigger

Kyle, wife Jennifer and Stewart Headley, survivor of Pearl Harbor.

“Fatherhood means teaching my kids the fundamentals of being a good person, manners, respect, work ethic, and preparing them for adulthood.”

in my life. A friend of mine was joining the Marine Corps, and I asked what they offered. He soon put me in contact with the recruiter.”

Kyle officially joined the Marine Corps in 2000. At the time, he had a basic Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) of Aviation Electronics.

Upon graduating boot camp and attending Marine Combat Training (MCT) for 2 weeks, he headed to Florida for six months for basic Electronics School, followed by a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Jacksonville, North Carolina for Communication/ Navigation school for 5 months.

“My first duty station was MCAS Miramar, where I was a Communication/Navigation technician on the CH53E Super Stallion helicopter. While stationed at MCAS Miramar, I deployed three times to Iraq.”

Kyle’s first deployment was in 2003, during which time he was part of the Iraqi invasion, deploying again in 2004-2005 and 2006.

After returning from Iraq in 2006, Kyle left California for Quantico, Virginia, where he worked in support of the President of the United States.

“In mid-2011, I changed duty stations back to Miramar. From 2011 to 2021, I deployed an additional five times.”

These deployments included one to Afghanistan and four to Okinawa, Japan.

Since retiring from the USMC as a Gunnery Sergeant in 2021, Kyle has had more time to focus on being a husband, and father, and spending his free time running, woodworking, and remodeling homes. Kyle is back in school to get a degree in Construction Management.

Kyle and his Family

Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, a registered nurse, are parents to five children—four boys and one girl.

Connor, 28, served in the Marine Corps from 2015-2019. Jayden, 23, is currently serving in the Air Force. Caleb, 21, is currently serving in the Marine Corps, deployed on the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Their son Carter is a 16-year-old high school student.

“Cayden, 15, is our only daughter. She was born prematurely at 23 weeks and had less than a 5 percent chance of survival,” he recalls.

“She has had multiple heart and lung surgeries, as well as numerous blood transfusions. Cayden had CPR performed on her after birth and on her first birthday.”

Today, Kyle is happy to report that Cayden is thriving in high school, where she’s a straight ‘A’ freshman who plays varsity basketball, and lacrosse, and was even named an Honorable Mention recipient on the San Diego City Conference All-Athlete list.

Through navigating years of career-related travels and moves, parenting, and the highs and lows of life, being a dedicated father is a responsibility—and most honorable role—in which Kyle has never faltered.

“Fatherhood means teaching my kids the fundamentals of being a good person, manners, respect, work ethic, and preparing them for adulthood.”

Lifestyle was introduced to Kyle by Bridget Blehm founder of For Families of Active Military. Kyle first met Bridget in 2017 when he and his family were invited by the non-profit group to the cabin in Lake Arrowhead. The organization offers stability, strength, and support to the military and their families. Kyle has since been to the cabin several times and considers Bridget and Ed part of his family.

Top: Kyle at Mount Suribachi

Bottom: Kyle and his niece Shelby