Irving Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association

I am a native Texan and proud of it. I was born in Dallas in 1957. My father was in the Air Force for a little over 20 years, and we moved around a bit. My dad is a huge part of why I respect and try to support service people, whether military or fire fighters. My father is also a Mason. My mother was very active in supporting to Air Force kids at several of the bases where we were stationed.

I have lived in England and Japan as well as many states. Before college, I went to 12 schools in 13 years counting kindergarten. I started college at OU (which was tough for a UT fan) but graduated from UT Arlington in 1980 with a BS in Industrial Engineering.

I am currently working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas as a Certified Business Continuity Professional, sort of as an internal consultant. I also worked for a long time as part of the Fed's customer services. The Fed's customers are financial institutions (banks, credit unions, savings & loans) and parts of the Federal government  (primarily Treasury, but I have also worked extensively with Defense). Before the Fed, I worked for Southwestern Bell (before the breakup of AT&T and their acquisition of AT&T and becoming att), Six Flags, UT Arlington, an engineering firm, a Plexiglas fabrication shop for a medical supply company, an Air Force commissary (grocery store) and a few other odd jobs.

I have been married to Ronda since 1982 and have two daughters. Leah (1987) is currently serving in the Air Force and was just married in 2008. Sarah (1996) is still at home and hopefully won't get married for a decade or so.

I am an avid reader of science fiction, historical fiction, action dramas, military history and some fantasy. I don't watch TV too much but like movies on along those same lines. My exposure to history has taught me that we US citizens should all be avid supporters and jealous guardians of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I like to play games of all sorts including computer, cards, dominoes and board games. I have a large collection of what have been called military simulations or war games. I am into shooting sports and have introduced dozens of folks who have had little or no gun experience to pistol shooting. Some of my "students" tell me I should charge, but I just like to get new shooters started. I was on the pistol team at UT Arlington. I love to travel around the USA to see natural and historical sites. I've been to most, but not yet all, states.

I come from a service background. I strongly believe we all should provide whatever service we can to others. Prior to my involvement with the ICFAAA, and through it, Blue Christmas and Special Olympics, I have been involved for many years with the March of Dimes and Girl Scouts (for which I was troop cookie coordinator for three years). I have also donated blood for decades. I think have donated over seven gallons, at present.