I was brought up in the mountains where I went hunting, fishing, and camping with my family and enjoyed the outdoors. I served 4 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. The medal I am most proud of is the Humanitarian medal for our participation in the 2nd Cuban Exodus. Was involved in multiple drug seizures and many mayday calls. Sailed into a hurricane and skirted 2 others. Sailed from Baltimore to Columbia and many places in between. I was involved with something larger than myself, and I loved it. I developed friendships and some continue to this day. During this time while I was on leave, I hitchhiked across America twice and will never forget some of my experiences and people that I met along the way and it was a great way to see America.

I have 20 years of Construction and Marketing experience. I worked in all phases of construction, from footers to framing to insulation to roofing and everything in between, Literally. I worked in Montana, Idaho, California, Texas and Tennessee. It was my privilege to work with some of the most skilled and knowledgeable people in their fields.

I worked 15 years in the medical field mostly in the V.A. hospitals, it was an amazing experience. I started working in the float pool, where I was sent to all units on different days. ER or ICU or the Psych, all units. It was great. But I mainly worked in Inpatient Psychiatric units. In Utah, Florida, and Oregon. It was rewarding and eventful. I gained a lot of experience, met some awesome people, I loved them and the V.A.