I was born November 26, 1942 (Thanksgiving Day) in Jersey County, Illinois.  I grew up in Madison County mostly in the Godfrey and South Roxana, areas.  After graduating from Roxana High School  I went to work for Laclede Steel Mill in Alton, Illinois.

In March of 1963 I enlisted into the U. S. Army and took Basic and AIT Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana.  After finishing my training at Fort Polk I was given orders for West Germany.  I was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 32nd Armored at Friedberg Germany and was placed in the Armored Cavalry Platoon.  This unit was part of the 3rd Brigade of the 3rd Armored Division.  

In 1964 I attended the 3rd Armored Division NCO Academy in Kirch Goens, Germany and was promoted to Sergeant E-5 in January of 1965.  In May of 1965 I attended and graduated from the USAREUR Demolitions and Mine Warfare School in Murnau, Germany.  I rotated home in March of 1966 and left active duty and returned to civilian life at my home in southwestern Illinois.

After returning home I started my Railroad Career.  I first worked as a switchman for Laclede Steel Mill then went to work for the former Illinois Terminal Railroad in Alton, Illinois.  In 1974 I was hired by the Burlington Northern Railroad in Edgemont, South Dakota.  I worked as a Locomotive Engineer between Edgemont, SD and Gillette, Wyoming.  In 1976 I joined the Burlington Northern Management Team.  After 32 years in the Railroad business I retired and moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas where I still reside with Karen my wife of 38 years.  Together we have three children and seven grandchildren. 

 In 2004 I joined the American Legion.  In 2007 I became active in Post 341 and was elected 1st Vice Commander in late 2007.  I am also a member of the Bella Vista Veterans Honor Guard. 

 My hobbies include Golf, Indy Car Racing, Photography and Traveling.  Karen and I are also active members of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Bentonville, AR.