Memories of vacations with friends and their families as a youth, are what led Tim (TK) Kotulak to move to Roscommon County March of 2021. Chuckling, he fondly remembered the sparkling waters of Houghton Lake, boats floating on the water and of course, the pretty girls.
On a more serious note, TK asserted he moved from downstate “to save my life.” City life and work in fire/EMS, plus as a removal specialist for Washtenau County/Ann Arbor, removing homicide/suicide victims had become detrimental to his health.
Kotulak served in the US Navy from 2004 to 2008 during both the Iraq and Afghanistan Campaigns, with Military Police and Security Forces. TK also serves with Team Rubicon, primarily recovery and cleaning up after hurricanes Katrina, Irene, Sandy, and Ian. Katrina being the most challenging in recovery, documenting deaths and marking homes.
TK began Wednesday night events at the Back Door Saloon by inviting any vets to come talk with him. Many vets don’t or won’t talk about their days of service, due to traumatic events they have witnessed, leading many to develop PTSD, self-harm, and suicide. Pointing to a US flag tattoo with the number 22 on his arm, he stated it is a reminder that each day, twenty-two current or former service men and women take their own life by suicide. Kotulak began “Got Your Six”, (GY6) with the goal of keeping these individuals from suicide, and to help ward off attending another funeral. Working within the organization and with other vets, is also the way he “keeps himself alive.” TK is very open about his own suicidal thoughts and previous attempts.
Noticing many veterans needed camaraderie and activities to, as he says, “keep out of our heads,” is the reason he formed GY6. Depression and bad memories come back when least expected, but especially when people are alone. The official founding of the Roscommon Chapter of GY6 began January of 2022, with the goal of “bringing Veterans, organizations and civilians together performing good works throughout the community.”
The organization provides positive outings and activities for veterans through camp outs, day rucks, family outings, fishing, and hunting trips, guided educational rucks, and veteran and civilian “Bushcraft Weekends.” This past Father’s Day, the organization along with Guardian Defense, LLC, held a Range Day at the MacMullen Center. Both organizations provided all food and “brass” for the family-oriented event.
GY6 needs sponsors or individuals to donate time, land, and equipment for activities. For instance, if you have a skill to share such as fishing, fly fishing, hunting, winter or other outdoor sport, or could do guided trips – perhaps on a side by side, or donate time for Bushcraft and camping weekends, these are all needed and appreciated. If you have a van or can transport a handicapped vet to doctors’ appointments, please let GY6 know. Occasionally, a veteran may need special equipment such as crutches, a wheelchair or walker. It can help if GY6 has contacts for where to acquire that equipment. Being able to network at a moment’s notice is crucial.
The single father of three boys, Jacob, Christian, and Julian., a recent graduate and currently at Army boot camp in Georgia, Kotulak needs to keep busy. TK is the owner/operator of Got Your Six Power Washing and Blended Lines Salon at Higgins Lake. TK, along with friend, cosmetologist, and “Civilian Assistant” Renee Ross. They work together to help veterans, first responders, and others feel and be their best. As “Civilian Assistant” of GY6, TK says about Renee, “she gets us!” The sign on the salon door says – “Where Cosmetology Meets Camaraderie.”
TK stated he would like to be able to promote mental health between veterans by keeping busy, having each other’s “six” and building a family of community around them, while promoting good works within the community.
During World War I, American fighter pilots covering a plane’s rear position (6:00 o’clock position) coined the phrase “I’ve Got Your 6.” this message of support meant “I’ve got your back.” In the military, the term highlights the loyalty and cooperation found in military culture.
In his work and daily life, Tim Kotulak hopes he exemplifies that commitment. TK, Renee, and GY6 vets have sponsored Coffee with a Cop, Volleyball teams at Jack’s, and other events. They offer free haircuts for vets at the salon on Wednesdays and have discounts for First Responders on Fridays, and “Senior Moment” haircut discounts on Mondays.
The organization expects to have 501c3 status soon. For more information or to volunteer, contact Tim or Renee at 248-704-7581 or gy6yco2022@gmail.com .
