ABOUT ME

All my life I have loved three things: writing, airplanes and chess.

I began writing in the desert as a young U.S. Marine. The Iraq War had just begun. Through the war I carried notebooks in my rucksack. To this day, I still do.

Iraq shaped my life in difficult and profound ways. The experience fueled my desire to understand people. I try to contribute to their well-being. My writing grew from those tough, formative years.

I was born to fly. I love the freedom of being in the air. After the war I pursued a career in aviation. I was fortunate to resume government service to help people traverse the skies safely. Best of all, these days I am finally getting my private pilot license.

Ten years after my war experience, I started a chess club in my city. This act of service led to new opportunities to inspire young people through STEM aviation outreach.

I embraced a singular passion for learning that has no limit.

Solving problems for a safer world and inspiring others is most important to me.

• United States Marine Corps: Iraq military awards
• Founder and President – Shenandoah Valley Chess Club  
• FAA Program for Emerging Leaders (PEL) Graduate
  
• STEM Flights – Board of Director (2021)
• Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum – Board of Director (2017-2020)
• Federal Aviation Administration Managers Association (FAAMA) | Eastern Assistant Regional Director
• Named Among Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Young Professional Leaders
• Intelligence Analysis Professional Credential in Critical Thinking and Structured Analytics