Born and raised in Idaho; attended Boise High School; graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree; completed a master’s degree in international relations from Salve-Regina University; joined the Navy in 1984 and served as a fighter pilot (participating in three combat tours), a squadron commander, and an Airwing deputy commander; during his combat tours, acted as liaison to Arab countries on defense operations, training, and status of force negotiations; additionally, worked closely with alliance partners Great Britain, Australia, and Japan; involved with the Department of Defense for more than a decade in strategic war planning, force and weapon assessments, and recommendations; retired in April of 2022 after completing 38 years of service with the Navy; currently a contract adversary fighter pilot in support of naval aviator tactical training and an international pilot for United Airlines.
