Kattsafe Veteran Spotlight: Dan O'Boyle
As part of our Honoring Those campaign, we’re recognizing veterans within the Kattsafe team.
Today, we’re proud to spotlight Dan O'Boyle, a United States Air Force veteran, who shared insight into their military journey and reflections on service.
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Introduction
Name: Dan O'Boyle
Branch of Service: U.S. Air Force
Years Served: 4 years (1984-1988)
Role in the Military: Material Management
Stationed: Anchorage, AK
Current Role at Kattsafe: Territory Sales Representative
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What inspired you to join the military?
"I needed a change in direction and discipline in my life, and fortunately, I was smart enough to join the Air Force.
I didn’t initially join out of patriotism, but when I eventually stood in formation for Reveille, I started to realize the importance of serving and protecting my country. I still feel a sense of pride when I hear the national anthem."
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
"I feel a connection to all the Veterans who came before me and sacrificed so much to keep this country free. I gave a little, but some gave everything!"
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Served 1984–1988. Without a computer system for inventory control, everything was tracked by hand on ledger paper.
How has your military experience shaped who you are or how you approach your work now?
"My military experience taught me that teamwork is everything. You can have individual strengths, but you’re always stronger when you’re working toward a common goal with people you trust. That’s something I still carry with me today.
At work, I know I’m not doing it alone; I’m surrounded by coworkers who want the same things I do and are willing to help each other succeed."
What’s something only your fellow service members would understand?
"The feeling you had on the first day of basic training!"
What’s a fun or memorable story from your time in the service?
"At the end of technical school, the sergeant was handing out assignments. When he got to me, he said,
You’d better get your parka and mukluks ready. You’re going to Alaska.
I didn’t know what those were, but I learned very soon!"
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What’s one piece of military training or habit you still can’t shake?
"Waking up early. Early mornings are my time to reflect on the previous day and get ready for the day ahead.
When my triplets were young, I spent this time reflecting on how lucky I was to have them. No matter how challenging the day was going to be, they were a gift from God."
What’s one piece of gear or uniform item you still have and why?
"My dress blues, for two reasons:
I wanted to show them to my children
I wanted to see if I’d still fit into them 30 years later. And I do!"
What’s the most unusual training or advice you received during your service?
"One interesting thing they told us during orientation: if you’re driving and you’re about to hit a moose in the middle of the road, lie down across the seat as far as you can. A moose’s legs are so long that its body will come right through the windshield."
What was it like adjusting to Alaska’s seasons?
"There are mountain ranges around Anchorage, and you could tell winter was coming by the snow line on the mountains. The lower it got, the closer winter was. During the summer, we put aluminum foil over our bedroom windows because it was light all the time."
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What would you want others to understand about the importance of supporting veteran-focused organizations and the impact it has?
Supporting veteran-focused organizations matters because they provide real help to veterans and their families when they need it most. Whether it’s career support, health resources, housing assistance, or community connections, these organizations help veterans transition successfully and thrive. It’s one of the best ways we can turn our gratitude into meaningful action.
Service photos
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