I was born in Kaukauna, WI and grew up in northwest WI in Cumberland. I graduated from high school in , 1987 and joined the US Navy. I went to boot camp in Great Lake IL with my first day there my 19th birthday. I served 30 years with 9 deployments. I had 7 to the Persian Gulf and 2 counter narcotics to Central and South America.

My 2 counter narcotic deployments had me go through the Panama Canal twice. The community relations projects allowed me to see what 3rd world countries go through and that we have it so much better in the US even in some poorer areas. During this time we pulled into San Francisco and tied up to Treasure Island in 1992 during the World Series when the earth quake hit. I was in the first group up on the bridge to control traffic. At 0230 in the morning there was a call to help in the Mariana District to help. I volunteered and helped in the area.

During my 7 Persian Gulf deployments, I was off Pakistan on 9/11 and shot Tomahawks into Afghanistan. I returned in 2003 to kick off OIF. Five of my deployments were 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007. During my 2011 deployment the tsunami happened in Japan and we were the first ship off of Japan.

My last job in the Navy was working at Navy Wounded Warrior at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda MD. I was a Non – Medical Case Manager for Navy and Coast Guard wounded, ill, and injured and their families. This was the most fulfilling job I have ever had. I retired in September 2017.

After retirement, I worked for 3 years for Wounded Warrior Project the non-profit in Washington DC. I was a Community Outreach Specialist. I would plan events for our veterans and families in the assigned area and ensure all needs for other programs were entered.

After 3 years with WWP, I returned Navy Wounded Warrior at Walter Reed for 5 years. I started as a Recovery Care Coordinator and then moved back to the Non-Medical Case Manager position. For the last year I moved to a manager position for the NMCMs. As with all new positions it was a temp position for 1 year. DOGE started during this time and my position was riffed. My last day was 9.16.26.

With that, I was unable to afford staying in the DC area. I sold my house on 10.18.26. I lived on Snowshoe Mountain for 2 months. I finally found a home in Huntington WV and am settling in. I have joined the American Legion and look forward to making a change.