Ken served close to 29 years from 1983-2012 in the U. S. Marine Corps attaining the rank of SgtMaj. He earned his eligibility serving in the Persian Gulf/Desert Shield/Storm (post), Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Yemen. 

He has served at the Post, District, Department, and National levels in various leadership positions, including State Membership Director for two consecutive years, and was awarded the Department of Indiana VFW Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award in 2023. Ken is a Certified VFW National Recruiter, and he is both an All-American Post and District Commander and was elected State Jr. Vice Commander during the June 2025 VFW Indiana State Convention.

Ken maintains his Gold Legacy Life Membership with the Carmel "Delbert L. Waugh” Post 10003. He is also a Centennial Life Member of the VFW National Home, Life Member of both the Disabled American Veterans and Military Order of the Cootie, and a member of the American Legion.