Born in Tecumseh, Michigan, and raised in nearby Onsted, I grew up as one of five siblings, with one brother and three sisters. I graduated from Onsted High School in 1992 and enlisted in the United States Air Force that same year. After completing HVAC/R technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, I received my first duty assignment to Misawa Air Base in Japan.

I spent three years in Misawa, where I re-enlisted for an additional six years. During that time, I learned to ski and took full advantage of every opportunity to travel, exploring Japan, the Philippines, and Korea. Living overseas sparked a deep appreciation for different cultures and laid the foundation for a lifelong love of adventure.

My second assignment took me to Aviano Air Base in Italy. Before heading overseas, I returned home on a 30-day leave and met the woman who would later become my wife. While stationed in Italy, I continued skiing and joined my squadron’s downhill ski team. I traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting France, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and Austria, and even went on a wildlife safari in Kenya—an experience I will never forget.

My third and final assignment brought me to Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Before reporting for duty, I returned home to get married. Idaho quickly became one of my favorite places. I continued skiing and rediscovered my passion for hunting, harvesting both a mule deer doe and buck—though the elk always seemed just out of reach. My wife and I enjoyed our time there so much that we seriously considered making Idaho our permanent home.

Near the end of my service, I deployed to Saudi Arabia for six months and later spent time in Kuwait. In 2000, we welcomed our first child, and in 2001, after nearly a decade of service, I separated from the Air Force.

Today, I have been married for 27 years and am the proud father of three boys. Two have graduated from Onsted High School, and our youngest has just begun his freshman year. Looking back, I am grateful for the experiences, the places I’ve been, and the people I’ve met along the way—memories that have shaped both my life and my family.