Summary
I’m a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. However, my parents traded one grade of red clay for another and raised me just outside of Atlanta, Georgia near Decatur in South DeKalb County.
Background
USS WILLIAM H BATES (SSN-680)I studied for two years at the University of Georgia—first in the Grady College of Journalism and later in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences—before I enlisted in The World’s Finest Nuclear Navy and served in the U.S. Navy – Naval Security Group Command. I was a “dual–qualified” in both the Communications (CTO) branch and as a linguist in the Interpretive (CTI) branch of the Cryptologic Technician (CT) rating.
When I finished my career, I was a Chief Petty Officer qualified in submarines (USS WILLIAM H BATES) and consistently tested out in the top 10% of Naval Security Group Russian cryptolinguists. I served aboard six aircraft carriers, two landing ships, one guided missile destroyer, and six fast attack boats while assigned to commands in the eastern United States, Europe, and the Near East.
Community Involvement
Appalachian Trail maintenance in Shenandoah National ParkI served as the elected president of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Between 2007 and 2019, I recruited, led, and managed over 40 PATC members who maintain 48 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the South District of Shenandoah National Park. Previously, I have been honored to serve as Chair of the public affairs committee, Supervisor of Trails, and manager for a 200-acre tract adjoining Shenandoah National Park. It has been my privilege to lead volunteer trail construction crews for the Club.
I served my community as a member of the Lions Clubs International and I am the webmaster for the U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association.
I am a proud “alum” of the Demosthenian Literary Society at the University of Georgia. I was active for 13 years with the Boy Scouts of America as a leader with four troops in Spain, Scotland, and Maryland. All the youth with whom I worked are adults now, with their own families. (I’m a Wood Badger.)
Professional Organizations
I have been very active in the James River Chapter and the Consulting & Independent Contracting SIG of the Society for Technical Communication.