Enlisted in the US Air Force in June 1981 as a C-130 Crew Chief. Was assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida from 1981-1985. While stationed in Florida participated in Operation Urgent Fury the Grenada rescue operation. Was then transferred to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska from 1985-1989. Transferred to Rhein Main AB, Germany from 1989-1992. Was deployed in Berlin, Germany the day the Berlin wall came down. At the beginning of the Gulf War, deployed to Al Ain AB, United Arab Emirates for Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Was also deployed to Bosnia in support of their civil War in 1992. Was then transferred to Scott AFB, Illinois from 1992-2001. Retired from the Air Force in 2001 after 20 years of service as an E-7 Master Sergeant and moved to Wolf Creek, Montana where I still live with my wife Past Department President Barbara. Have 1 daughter, a stepdaughter and 3 step sons all living in Illinois. Am a Gold Legacy Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10010 East Helena, Montana, a life member of the Military Order of the Cootie and the VFW National Home for Children. Earned eligibility to the Veterans of foreign Wars for my service in the Gulf War in 1991. Was elected as State Commander at the State convention in Kalispell, Montana on June 19th 2010. Am a two time back to back All-American Post Commander, three time All-State Post Commander, have been Captain of the All-State team of Post Commanders twice, All-State Post and District Quartermaster and Co-Captain of the All-State Team of Post Quartermasters and All-American State Commander. Have filled most Post, District and State chairs and am currently a National Council Member and State Adjutant/Quartermaster. Have been the Montana State Poppy chairman for ten years, and have been Americanism and Membership chairman; Also sat on the National By-Law Committee and the National Audit and Budget Committees currently Vice Chairman of the National Budget Committee.