Fred Harper has always taken immense pride in his work. He feels honored and privileged to be part of something bigger than himself. This was true after his first semester in college, and he made a life-changing decision.

He made a big announcement when he told his parents he was leaving college to join the U.S. Marine Corps. His dad was curious about Fred’s decision and asked him why.

Fred rattled off the reasons. “I want to get away from home. I am tired of studying all the time. And I am tired of people telling me what to do.” His dad laughed.

Military life begins

It was 1972 and boot camp took Fred to Parris Island, South Carolina. From there he trained at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and at Quantico, Virginia. He received orders to serve in Okinawa, Japan.

The brother he never had

Fred met Mike Miller at the Marine Corps Computer Sciences School (CSS) in Quantico. Mike was in the class ahead of Fred, so they didn’t spend much time together. “The class schedule was intense with lectures and demonstrations all day and homework assignments due at the start of the next training day,” said Fred.

After CSS, both men received orders to Okinawa, Japan. They served there for a year and became close friends. After Okinawa, they were sent to the Marine Corps Automated Services Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

They were assigned to support the same computer systems, working together closely, and spending their off-duty time on social and recreational activities. By now, they were truly closer than most brothers. Their families also spent time together. “Mike became the brother I never had.”

Their time working together ended for Fred when his enlistment was completed in 1978. Mike ended his enlistment in 1981. They stayed in touch, but not as often; careers, marriage and children took much of their time and attention.

With their collective experiences and rapport, they remained “brothers.” These days, they stay in touch on social media, email and personal visits when Mike is in Kansas City. Regardless of the time between their conversations they can pick right up where they left off.

An unexpected diagnosis

Mike was diagnosed with chronic liver disease, and by late 2012, had liver failure. He was placed on a transplant registry in January 2013. Ten months later, he got a second chance at life. It was October 16, 2013. According to his doctor, Mike was hours from death when he was saved by the generosity of donor hero Neal Swogger and his family. The procedure took place at Baylor Transplant Center in Dallas, Texas.

Mike has recovered from his transplant surgery and his liver function has been restored to almost perfect health. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Janice, and spending time with his family. He has five adult children, 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Half of the grandchildren were born after Mike received his transplant.

An active retirement

Life changed again for Fred when he was considering retirement. He talked to his wife, Nancy, Senior Director of Information Technology Services at Midwest Transplant Network. She listened, and she wanted to know what he planned to do.

“I told her I was planning to walk dogs for the KC Pet Project and be an Ambassador for Midwest Transplant Network.”

Being familiar with the organ, eye and tissue donation process, Fred felt compelled to support MTN and its mission. “I’ve had friends who are donor heroes, my parents signed up to be donors, I’ve registered to be an organ donor and one of my best friends had his life saved with a liver donation.”

His best decision

Fred knows the bonds you form with fellow military members last forever. “The shared experiences bond you to each other. That’s why we call other Marines our brothers or sisters.”

Being a veteran, Fred knows the best decision he ever made was to join the Marine Corps. “It made me the person I am. It gave me strength and confidence to push forward for my goals and to help my children understand the value of being part of something bigger than yourself.” He smiled and said, “I also know why my dad laughed when I told him the reasons I was joining the Marines.”

A proud MTN Ambassador

“It is a privilege to be an Ambassador and represent MTN and the work they do,” said Fred. “It’s a quality organization and I’m honored to help in some small way. It fits my need for being part of something bigger than myself and giving back.”

Fred noted that working with other Ambassadors, those who have received an organ, or those who are donor hero families has given him a new perspective. “I realize how brave those families are to support the decision of their loved ones. They look at it as a legacy their loved one gave to someone else. The recipients that I’ve talked to are so grateful they have that chance for more life; and how they are giving back. It is an inspiration.”