My life has been full of challenges. It’s been full of exciting times, challenging times, aspirational times, but in summary I have had a tremendously exciting life. I’ve had the great joy of traveling to all but one of the 50 states and 75 countries. I have been fortunate enough to retire from two fulfilling careers. One in the US Air Force, and the other as a corporate executive. I’ve done all of it with the support and company of my incredible family. I come from very humble beginnings in a logging family on the coast of Oregon. It was absolutely fun writing The Snipe’s Screech. As you read it, you will see the setting of Coos Bay, Oregon. Full of loggers and fisherman in the 70’s and 80’s. It’s a direct reflection of my time living there and growing up. This book wouldn’t have been written if I didn’t grow up in Coos Bay.

I think all authors draw inspiration from their personal history. This is my first time writing fiction, and it was only possible because I grew up in Oregon and lived through the situations that are seminal to The Snipe’s Screech. Other elements of my life sprinkled their way into the book. I rowed collegiately during my undergrad at Oregon. References to my rowing days can be found in some of the characters. Even now I can feel the energy of the water under the boat as I move along through my life. There’s a religious element to the book that I attribute to the small church in our home village. That’s where I came to understand the idea of redemption and salvation, and acknowledging one’s personal flaws. My siblings and I didn’t have much growing up, but we had each other. I still cherish the relationship I have with my siblings. My wife Lisette and I met during my undergrad at Oregon, and after 40+ years we have two wonderful sons and now a daughter-in-law. I think this all culminates to the writing of The Snipe’s Screech.

The lessons I learned during my foundational time in Oregon gave me the strength to enter the military. I found that military service was so innately me, because of the experiences I had growing up. Everything I experienced and learned served me well in my military career. The incredible number of life-long friendships I created, keeps me forever grateful to have served our nation with such remarkable people. My time in the military gave me the opportunity to not only handle difficult situations, but to successfully manage and lead our way through them. I made incredible connections as a Harvard Fellow and that was all made possible by my service in the military.

After retiring from the military, I started my new career as a Cyber Security Consultant and Solution Architect for several Fortune 500 companies. I enjoyed my 13 years as a corporate executive. Growing up in a logging community in Oregon, serving in the US Air Force, and my academic improvements, all made my second career possible. I’m grateful for all of it!