Bruce McKenty and I jumped into a golf cart and headed down a fairway on the American Lake Veterans Golf Course.

"I love this work; I love working with the people here; I especially love helping veterans," he said as we pulled over to watch two partially blind veterans putt.

Recently elected as the National Commander of the Order of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), McKenty is the volunteer manager of the American Lake Veterans Golf Course at the Veterans Administration complex on American Lake.

"I am honored and looking forward to doing more great things for veterans," McKenty said.

Formed in 1932 and chartered by Congress in 1958, the MOPH advocates for the protection and mutual interests of all combat wounded veterans and active-duty men and women who have received the decoration.

The Order is unique among veteran service organizations in its membership is comprised of combat wounded.

A retired Army officer, McKenty received two Purple Hearts during the Vietnam War as an AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter pilot.

Since joining the MOPH's Chapter 407 (Lakewood) in 2002, McKenty has worked to advocate for veterans and their families.

"Families suffer when Servicemembers deploy and when some come home wounded," McKenty added.

Mentioning the effect of current budget cuts on the MOPH's ability to help veterans, McKenty said, "It does not matter; we will drive on and continue to help our veterans."

Some of his travel will be at his own expense.

He then told me a story about a Soldier he recently visited who will require medical care every day for the rest of his life.

"I cried for him and his family," McKenty said as his blue eyes moistened. 

Then the determination returned to his voice.

"My goal is to continue to help our veterans and their families," McKenty said firmly.

"One of my goals is to help the Secretary Shinseki eliminate veteran homelessness by 2016," he added.

Retired Army General Eric Shinseki heads up the Veterans Affairs office.

Before leaving the links, McKenty commented that the local community and Joint Base Lewis-McChord can be of help.

"We need individuals to step up and help the families of our wounded veterans," he said.

This is the voice of a commander who will take care of his veterans.

For more information about the MOPH and the programs it offers to veterans and their families, visit www.purpleheart.org.