176 – U.S. Army Colonel Mark Huhtanen Of Columbia, SC Is A 25 Year Combat Veteran With A 15 Year Old Non-Verbal Son With Autism

David Hirsch’s guest this week is Colonel Mark Huhtanen of Columbia, SC, a 25 year combat veteran of the US ARMY, who has served four active duty tours, and is the father of two, including a non-verbal son with Autism.

Mark and his wife, Shelly, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of two boys;
Hayden (17) and Broden (15) who is non-verbal and has Autism.

Serving in the military and raising a family presents unique challenges. Raising a child with special needs, while serving in the military requires an extra level of dedication and additional resources like that offered through the military’s Exceptional Family Member
Program, also known as EFMP.

In addition to being a military spouse, which has entailed several moves, being a mom and raising two boys, Shelly somehow found the time to author the book: Giving A Voice To The Silent Many and writes a regular column for Exceptional Parent Magazine entitled: Puzzles & Camo.

It’s a patriotic and uplifting story about a couple’s commitment to serve our country, while raising two boys and making a difference in the lives of countless other military families and beyond.

That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.

Email – markhuhtanen@gmail.com

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) – https://efmp.amedd.army.mil

Exceptional Parent Magazine – https://www.epmagazine.com

Check out Shelly’s book: “Giving A Voice To The Silent Many.” https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Voice-Silent-Shelly-Huhtanen/dp/1940129834

Or check out the book’s website, where you can contact Mark or Shelly: http://silentmany.com/giving-a-voice-to-the-silent-many/