DAMON'S STORY
As an orthotic & prosthetic technician, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the needs of our community for over 25 years. It wasn’t easy, but in 2006, I became a proud small business owner investing my savings, energy, and excitement in Victor Technologies, LLC, an Orthotic/Prosthetic laboratory, making arch supports, leg braces, and artificial limbs for those in need.
It is also my privilege to volunteer with the Tallahassee Foundation for Children/Med Assist USA and Rotary International—leading successful international humanitarian medical service trips and vocational-technical training programs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Ukraine, as well as contributing to local service projects and programs like the Rotary Youth Camp of North Florida for Children with Disabilities, which provides free summer camp for disabled children of all ages.
But it was a challenge to get where I am today. While I’ve lived in Tallahassee for 35 years, I spent my youth in rural Alaska, coming to Tampa, Florida as a high schooler. Moving from a free-spirited existence with my Dad in the snowy wilderness to bustling city life with my Mom, StepDad, and a new family proved to be a tough transition. Punk rock, skateboards, and high school shenanigans got me into plenty of trouble, but after high school I made a fresh start in Tallahassee, studying engineering, with a plan to join the Navy after college.
Attending Tallahassee Community College, I met a great group of disabled veterans. Our interaction led me toward an unexpected path—one of medical and community service… And my dream of working in orthotics and prosthetics was born. At the same time, as a fulltime student, working to make ends meet, and performing in bands, I was determined to use my voice in a positive way to speak out against violence and hatred in the local music scene. My bandmates and I became unlikely organizers; training youth how to defend themselves against skinheads and other types of violent groups. Our strategy proved effective—stand up and stand together: fear and intimidation do not work when we resolve to stand strong and united. This motto is one I hold close to my heart, and a message I strive to put into action each and every day.
But it was a challenge to get where I am today. While I’ve lived in Tallahassee for 35 years, I spent my youth in rural Alaska, coming to Tampa, Florida as a high schooler. Moving from a free-spirited existence with my Dad in the snowy wilderness to bustling city life with my Mom, StepDad, and a new family proved to be a tough transition. Punk rock, skateboards, and high school shenanigans got me into plenty of trouble, but after high school I made a fresh start in Tallahassee, studying engineering, with a plan to join the Navy after college.
Attending Tallahassee Community College, I met a great group of disabled veterans. Our interaction led me toward an unexpected path—one of medical and community service… And my dream of working in orthotics and prosthetics was born. At the same time, as a fulltime student, working to make ends meet, and performing in bands, I was determined to use my voice in a positive way to speak out against violence and hatred in the local music scene. My bandmates and I became unlikely organizers; training youth how to defend themselves against skinheads and other types of violent groups. Our strategy proved effective—stand up and stand together: fear and intimidation do not work when we resolve to stand strong and united. This motto is one I hold close to my heart, and a message I strive to put into action each and every day.
While finding my footing as a young man in Tallahassee was trying, it’s during this time I met the love of my life, Rory. It’s also during this time I suffered a serious bout with cancer. Major surgery at the age of 21 derailed my college pursuits. But this struggle actually changed everything for the better. It gave me a broader perspective, a new lease on life, helped me to mature, and ultimately, to become the man I am today. Rory and my family were by my side through it all, and helped me continue to move forward.
Fortunately, while struggling to break into the profession (literally going door-to-door looking for work in the industry), one local prosthetics maker was kind enough to give me a shot. I’ll never forget that day. I raced home to tell Rory and we immediately decided to elope to Key West. We’ve now happily married for more than 25 years! Ever since, I have been striving to help others, whether it be those in need or those wanting to help others in need.
Alongside kindred spirits committed to the cause, I fought for the rights of orthotics technicians to self-educate, and this newly developed educational pathway was accepted by the American Board for Certification in 1999. After three years of training and the required examination, I became a Certified Technician of Orthotics (CTO) in 2000. Every year since, I have put my heart and soul into improving the lives of those with prosthetic needs.
Our journeys in life aren’t always what we expect, but hopefully our experiences allow us to get closer to our calling. My family, friends, and the fine folks of Tallahassee have helped me to transform into the person I am today, and to recognize and value my calling to help the people of this community. I am extremely honored to answer that call to serve.
I bring the same energy now as I have my whole life: pushing back against racism and violence, fighting my own battle to survive cancer, and the difficulties endured while finding my footing as a small business owner for 16 years. I’ll do what I’ve always done no matter what: care for and fight for others.