For 25 years, my mother and father have run a volunteer wild bird rehabilitation center called Toms River Avian Care. What started as a small hobby has grown into the top wild bird rehabilitation center in the state of New Jersey.

When you imagine a man who has spent his life taking care of birds, images of feathers, bird droppings and a "tree hugger" look may come to mind – but in reality, my dad is a professional businessman who has volunteered for the past 25 years and given the environmental field a new name – not to mention giving over 50,000 birds a chance at flight again. More than 2000 birds arrive at my family's home a year, all of which are attended to by my father - no volunteers, no grants, no secret funding source – just my dad – and the amazing support of my mother.

Together, my parents own a mom and pop Medical Supply Company, which has afforded them the luxury of giving back to the wildlife and the environment. Their philosophy has always been a subtle one - never look for recognition, and never expect anything in return.

So the next time you see a bird taking flight, think about it – what would you do if you found it hurt? For my dad, from Eagles, to seagulls, all birds matter. He is the real deal - a truly amazing volunteer who has changed the environment in New Jersey… and that affects the world!

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