I joined the Navy on Sept 7, 1970 (my mother’s birthday), I went to boot camp in San Diego, CA and A school for Basic Propulsion Engineering in Great Lakes, IL.  I reported aboard the USS Alamo, LSD 33, homeported in Long Beach, CA as a Boiler Tech. I did two Pacific Theater deployments where I earned my Vietnam Combat ribbon in 1972 and 1974.  I served 4 years and then entered the active reserves where I served for 4 years.  In 1977 I became an apprentice Pipefitter at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard.  When they closed in 1995, I was offered a job in Point Loma, San Diego, CA where I was able to complete my 30 years and where I met my current wife.

I joined the VFW Post 7243 as a life member 16 years ago and was immediately asked to be the Adjutant and assistant QM.  I later became the QM and served for 7 years.  I was elected to Post Commander and served for 7 years in that capacity.  During that time I was asked to volunteer as the Patriots Pen, Voice of Democracy, Teacher of the Year,  and Buddy Poppy District Chairman.

I am currently a Little League Assistant District Administrator in charge of Softball.  As a District volunteer, I was instrumental in starting the Challenger Program on the west coast.  The Challenger Program is for physically and mentally challenged children who want to play baseball that is adapted to their special needs and assisted by non-handicapped ball players.  I have volunteered in Little League for 37 years as a coach, manager. local board member and District board member.  I have also volunteered for the YMCA Indian Guides, Boy Scouts and YMCA Basketball.

Even though the acronym NAVY stands for "Never Again Volunteer Yourself,” I have a muscular disorder, when groups asked for volunteers, my armed shoots up (LOL).

I have one son and 2 grown granddaughters.  I am the stepfather to my wife’s 3 children and 1 Granddaughter.

My wife is District 4 Auxiliary President and our motto this year is "Infinite Love for Veterans and their Families.”  Our emblem is the tattoo we got when we were married, which is two hearts and an infinity symbol intertwined.