I grew up in Wayne County NC as the son of a teacher and career Air Force senior enlisted aviator.  I enlisted in the Navy right after high school, becoming a nuclear submarine electrician and Navy scuba diver.  In 1983 I was selection to participate in back-to-back educational programs leading to an officer commission at Auburn University, Alabama in 1987. 

At sea I served in 1 submarine and 5 surface ships, and ashore I served in various staff and command level positions to include assistant professor of naval science at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.  In 1994 I entered the Navy Reserve and worked as a stock broker and financial advisor in the bank brokerage business.  I completed my naval career as a surface warfare officer in April 2014 with 24 years active and 11 years reserve service.

My education includes an undergraduate degree in political science from Auburn University, a Master of Science in Administration Degree from Central Michigan University, a diploma from the U.S. Air Force Air Command & Staff College distance learning program, and I have completed extensive graduate level studies in political science through the American Military University.  

Married 38 years now to my high school sweetheart, I am a watercolorist, an avid downhill snowskier, a long distance Appalachian Trail backpacker, and I am absolutely delighted to be teaching NJROTC at Smithfield-Selma High School!