I am a native of Manchester, New Hampshire. I graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with a BS and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Armor Branch. I earned a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1987, and was introduced in the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. I served as an instructor and assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point. I earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, in 1998, the Naval War College and was named "Graduate of the highest distinction." Also, I was a Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Program.

My military education includes the Naval War College, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Officer Basic Course and Armor.

I have served in a variety of command, staff and operational assignments in the United States, Germany and Southwest Asia and Africa.

My first mission was due in the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, where i served as platoon leader and executive in Troop 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment (2-1 CAV). In October 2001, became the Aide-de-Camp to the Assistant Division Commander, 2nd Armored Division. I then served as Director of Maintenance Battalion, Combat Service Support Company Commander and Tank Company Commander of the 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment (1-67 AR).

I attended the Infantry Advanced Course in 1988, followed by postgraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Then I served as Instructor and Assistant Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point.

After the selection and completion of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, I reported to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse Regiment) in Fulda, Germany. I served as the second Squadron Operations (S-3), during Operation Desert Storm, became the Regimental Operations Officer (S-3) in November 1991, then Director Regimental March 1993. I left the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the spring of 1994.

Then moved to Fort Bliss, Texas, and became the Regimental Officer 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (Brave Rifles). I assumed command of the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in October 1994.