I was born on February 7, 1973 in Anytown, Anystate. I was the youngest of five children. My father worked as a carpenter and my mother did a wonderful job raising five children. They were excellent role models and created a happy nurturing home for me and my siblings.

In my early years I attended Anytown Elementary School. I remember the experience to be a happy one. However, nothing was as memorable as the Fourth of July. Grandma and Grandpa public would come and visit, and we'd all go to the lake for a a barbeque and fireworks. It seemed as if the whole town was there. We would watch the fireworks light up the sky and reflect off of the lake. The feeling of pride and patriotism made a huge impact on me. I was too young to understand politics...but I knew that I was grateful for our freedom.

In high school I played safety on our football team, the Bears. We went to the State championships in my senior year, but we lost to Shelbyville in the final seconds of the game. I wasn't good enough of an athlete to get a football scholarship to college. I wanted to attend Anystate University, but could not afford it. I wanted to study electrical engineering. I had never thought of serving in the military prior that point (although my father was a proud veteran), but the more I thought about it, the more the prospect of military service intrigued me. I could serve my country. Learn valuable skills, and earn money for college. So, I signed up. What I didn't realize is that after spending two years in the Army, I was learning more than I would in college. I was working with radar and electronic communication devices. The Army felt like home to me. The bond I felt with my fellow soldiers was solid.

I married my high school sweetheart, Carrie Ann, three years after entering the Army. She was, and is, very supportive of my career. I could not serve my country, like I do, with out her by my side. We now have three wonderful children: Joshua, Sally, and Lucy.

I love my time in the Army and I love serving my country.