Born in Norwich N.Y., grew up in New Berlin, graduated with a BA in Economics from Colgate University in 1959, and an MS in International Relations from Troy University in 1976. Served twenty years in the U.S. Navy, retireing as a commander, cryptologic specialist. District Clerk for Gilbertsville-Mount Upton School District for 27 years. Wrote profile articles for local newspaper and volunteered with American Red Cross as local Disaster Action Team member and national Disaster Services Human Resources member for public affairs and liaison positions. Responding to the World Trade Center disaster was his first as a DSHR member. He has since responded to hurricane disasters in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas, as well as flooding near his home.