A native Floridian, I was born in north Florida (Perry) and grew up in central Florida (Lake Wales). I received my bachelors degree in music education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Shortly after graduation, I joined the United States Army and was initially stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, and then joined The United States Army Field Band taking the Army to Americans in all fifty (50) states and representing the United States internationally. While on active duty I earned a masters degree in business administration from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. I retired after serving more than twenty-five (25) years in the active Army. Awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (5th award), Army Superior Unit Award (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Global War on Terrorism Medal and Overseas Service Ribbon.
Shortly after retiring I enrolled in Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, honored with a Leadership Achievement Award at graduation. I served on the Student Bar Association as a class representative, Treasurer and finally as Vice-President. Other student groups included Veterans Legal Assistance Program (co-founder), Moot Court Executive Team, Exam Proctor, Animal Law Society and Cooley Veterans Corps. Community involvement with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Cooley's Pro Bono Junior Associate program working with Kent County Community Legal Services, Non-Profit Incorporation Project and Service to Soldiers. I also participated in the Cooley Innocence Project Clinic working to exonerate the wrongfully convicted.
I returned to Florida in November 2015 to be closer to my family. I enjoy Ormond Beach because it offers unspoiled nature, the ocean, and entertainment.
I am currently the Treasurer of the Flagler County Bar Association, a member of the Volusia County Bar Association, the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association. Additionally, I am currently the Vice President of the South Daytona Lions Club and a past Commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 84 of Greater Daytona.
Shortly after retiring I enrolled in Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, honored with a Leadership Achievement Award at graduation. I served on the Student Bar Association as a class representative, Treasurer and finally as Vice-President. Other student groups included Veterans Legal Assistance Program (co-founder), Moot Court Executive Team, Exam Proctor, Animal Law Society and Cooley Veterans Corps. Community involvement with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Cooley's Pro Bono Junior Associate program working with Kent County Community Legal Services, Non-Profit Incorporation Project and Service to Soldiers. I also participated in the Cooley Innocence Project Clinic working to exonerate the wrongfully convicted.
I returned to Florida in November 2015 to be closer to my family. I enjoy Ormond Beach because it offers unspoiled nature, the ocean, and entertainment.
I am currently the Treasurer of the Flagler County Bar Association, a member of the Volusia County Bar Association, the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association. Additionally, I am currently the Vice President of the South Daytona Lions Club and a past Commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 84 of Greater Daytona.