I come from a modest family background, born and raised in California.  I lived most of my adult life in North Carolina starting in 1992 having been stationed here for 16 years. My children were raised here.  This is their home state, and I want to do my part to make it the best that it can be.

In 1991, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Notre Dame while on a Naval ROTC scholarship. At the Marine Corps War College in 2013, I earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree focusing on strategy, geopolitics, foreign policy, and history.

After 30 years of commissioned service in the Marines, including 26 years on active duty, I retired last year as a Colonel. I’ve lived in Brunswick County since 2010, having met my wife, a local, on a previous tour at Camp Lejeune.

 I have been heavily involved with Brunswick County’s Habitat for Humanity, my American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts in Leland. My association with these non-partisan organization is not indicative of their political endorsement.

Last summer, I became deeply involved with multiple non-profit efforts to help Afghan refugees settle in the United States. It is hard to express the devotion and gratitude I feel for the Afghan interpreters I worked with during my tours in their country. They have been the focus of my undertaking. 

In addition, since 2021, I have been the Chair of the Brunswick County Democratic Party (temporarily resigned during the primaries due to my candidacy).