I grew up on a small farm near West Bend, WI.  I attended local public and parochial grade schools and graduated from West Bend High School in 1966. 

From 1968 – 1970 served in the U.S. Army.  My Vietnam service was from December 1968 – February 1970.  My duties included working in an encrypted message center and heavy artillery with First Field Force, in II Corps.  In 1991 I completed a course in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning at Milwaukee Area Technical College South Campus.  I am presently employed in construction and home renovation.

I joined Vietnam Veterans of America in 1989 and am a life member of Chapter 448, Newburg, WI.  In the past I have been a chapter delegate to Wisconsin State Council of Vietnam Veterans and served as a Vice President of the council and chaired the constitution committee. 

At the chapter level I have been chairman of constitution, legal affairs, and ordnance committees.  I have held positions of secretary, treasurer, vice president, and president of VVA Chapter 448.  Presently I serve on the Board of Directors and as chairman of the ordnance committee. 

Along with Robert Piaro and Wayne Gabriel I have had the pleasure of being a founding member of the Veterans Assistance Foundation (VAF) of which I served as secretary treasurer.  The success of VAF led to the forming of the California Veterans Assistance Foundation (CVAF).  Currently I serve on the Board of Directors and as treasurer of both foundations. 

I enjoy spending time with my family and grand children.  My hobbies include hunting, fishing, antique and modern firearms colleting, and reading.