#VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Derek Rodenbeck

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Derek Rodenbeck. Derek served from 2005 to 2015 during the Iraq War.

During his seven years of service, Derek served as an MP. As a Sergeant, Derek also took on responsibilities as brigade public affairs officer. He was intricately involved in managing public relations, journalism and broadcasting in combat. Derek collaborated with the Mobile Public Affairs Detachment to film and edit on-ground footage, conduct interviews, produce voiceovers, and prepare for broadcast newsreels for Armed Forces Network airing worldwide. Later, he completed a solo, full production documentary film about the war.

In 2015, Derek participated in a Veterans entrepreneurial training and education program for disabled Veterans at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. After graduating, Derek experienced a brief period of homelessness, living in his car with his service dog, Kuma. However, Derek continued his work in artistry and today is the creative director of a Pottstown, Pennsylvania game developer. He is also is working on a comic book based on a movie screenplay by two writers in Georgia.

Thank you for your service, Derek!

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? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Graphic created by Carl J. Valentino: Carl J. Valentino is a student at the University of Delaware with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Graphic Design.