I've been asked why I write, and my snarky response is that it's because I was second of ten kids and couldn't get a word in edgewise. The real reason I write is because I must. It's that simple. It's not a hobby, or a way to kill time between West Wing reruns. Wriing is what I do. Literary influences: Harper Lee, certainly, John Steinbeck, Lee Martin, St. Ex, Herman Melville and of course Mark Twain. I've recently discovered Padget Powell and Chuck Klosterman, two very funny, extremely courageous writers who run the bar up way, way high. And Mary Roach. If you haven't read all of Mary's stuff you're in for a real treat. 'Packing for Mars' is as fun to read, almost, as going to Mars would be.

Winner of The Bailey Prize for prose in 2012 for my essay titled 'Lift Off'. Recent memoir published. Member of Phi Sigma Theta national literary honors society. Member the Ohio State University Alumni Association, Combat Helicopter Pilot Association, Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association. I'm a Federal Club Council member of the Human Rights Campaign.