Fred "Bo" Dunning

Fred “Bo” Dunning is a retired U.S. Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer, a combat veteran, a college professor, a mental health therapist, and a 7-times published author.

Since retiring from the Air Force as a refueling and firetruck mechanic, and Air Force Instructor Bo has made several life advancements. Bo was an Air Force instructor for four years which introduced him to teaching and college. He received two AA degrees, a bachelor’s degree in history, and a master’s degree in psychology. His college career did not start until he was 38 years old and was on the Air Force 10-year bachelor’s degree plan. Since he was interested in history, he decided to get the history degree for his own knowledge and self-confidence. When it became evident that having a bachelor’s degree in history is not a lucrative degree, he decided to attend a master’s degree psychology program and graduated with his master’s degree at the Age of 50. During the final year of his 10-year college program he lost his best friend to an accidental drug overdose because he slipped through the VA cracks. He became hooked on pain medication because of a back injury suffered while on Active Duty. It was at that point that Bo decided to get a psychology degree where he could help those veterans who slipped through the VA cracks or did not trust the VA.

Bo’s psychology career started as a professor in the Cal state system and various private colleges while working toward attaining the hours to become licensed as a therapist. He is a Licensed mental health therapist who specializes in PTSD and works as a contractor for the VA community care program. He has become a prolific writer to help work through his own frustration with the VA and Military system hoping to help other veterans understand that they are not alone and can live a good life. Most of the stories and publications are tragic, informative, and funny. He has listened to stories for over 40 years both as an NCO, college professor, and therapist. He had heard so many stories that he decided to put them down on paper.

Bo started writing a newspaper column which lasted for 7 years about military veteran’s issues in his community. His column became a hit with the local newspaper and local veterans. These columns became the start of his writing career and were adapted to create his first four books. The stories written are those of veterans he has worked with, served with, known, and personal experiences. The After Duty Vet brand has now spread into a YouTube channel, and webpage with the purpose of helping veterans live a better life. Since being involved with the military for over 40 years there are a lot of stories to tell. He tells veterans that they are history, their time in service is a historical event and all veterans have a story to tell. Bo has written 7 books and continues to write. He has 3 book series, Living the Dream, Married to PTSD, and his reality series 51 issues.

He is Married to Dr. Kathleen Dunning, a psychologist in California. Together they wrote the Book 7 keys to a Successful PTSD Relationship. This book is intended to help family members who are living with someone who has PTSD. Together they have started the Married to PTSD webpage.