I graduated from Fayetteville Manlius High School in 1979 and the State University of New York, College at Cortland, in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. I received my commission through the Officer Candidate Course program in April 1986. After completing the Basic School, I underwent training at the Infantry Officer's Course and graduated in December 1986.
His first tour was with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, at Camp Pendleton, California serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander. My first Unit Deployment was to Okinawa, where I served as TOW Platoon Commander and Weapons Company Executive Officer. In 1989 I was augmented into the regular Marine Corps. In August 1990 I was deployed with 1st LAV Battalion to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
After completing my second Unit Deployment to Okinawa I was transferred to 1stLight Armor Reconnaissance Battalion as the S-3 Operations Officer. I was then promoted to Major in October 1996. In June 2000, I reported for duty at US Central Command, Tampa, Florida as an action officer in the Strategy section of the J-5 Plans and Policy Division. After returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), I was transferred to 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California in June of 2003, where I served as Training Officer, Operations Officer, Planning Officer, and Assistant G-3. During this tour he deployed with the Division for OIF II. In June 2005 I began my final assignment as the Executive Officer, School of Infantry (West). I retired on 1 October 2006 with over twenty years of active service.
I served as the Senior Marine Instructor for the Mexico High School JROTC program since 2007. I've been awarded: Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with gold star and the Combat Action Ribbon.
I'm married to my wife Sara and we have three children; Louie, Joe and Vera.
