My Story: Runs • Hits • Errors

Like many of us, I have not had an easy path. Life is challenging, and, like most, we learn to hit curveballs. I lost my best friend and father when I was just 13 years old. My mother raised me with strength and wisdom, teaching me to be independent, self-reliant, and resilient.

On my own initiative, I joined the Boy Scouts, DeMolay, and high school sports. I researched and applied to universities myself. After graduation, I worked at Sears to pay for flying lessons despite my mother’s initial concerns. Flying became my passion, and she eventually became my biggest supporter.

In my second year at the University of Miami, I received an appointment to the Navy Flight School. Though underage, my mother signed so I could serve. My Naval service as a fighter pilot became the defining chapter of my life — forging unshakable honor, integrity, and accountability.

I’ve learned to hit home runs out of the curveballs life throws at us.

Life Experiences and Accomplishment

High School

  • Football, Swimming, and Track Teams
  • Debating Team
  • President, Service Club

U.S. Navy

  • Fighter Pilot (A-4 Skyhawk) — 225 Aircraft Carrier Landings
  • Graduate, SERE School (Survival, Evasion, Resistance & Escape)
  • Navy Line Officer and Department Head – Line Division and Aircraft Division

Law Enforcement

  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Commendation for dangerous rescue attempt
  • Three successful high-speed pursuits
  • Apprehended four wanted felons 

Aviation

  • Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP)
  • Qualified in Jets, Gliders, and Helicopters
  • Pilot for the Florida State University Skydiving Team

Sports & Outdoor Pursuits

  • Snow and Water Skier
  • Sailboat Sailor
  • Archer and Marksman
  • Advanced SCUBA Diver
  • Equestrian
  • Motorcycle Enthusiast
  • 34 Years of Dedicated Fitness Training
  • Flying

Business & Professional

  • Author & Writer
    • Children’s book: Sopo Hatches (available on Amazon and Kindle)
    • Work in Progress: Sisyphus and Me
  • Public Speaker and Speech Writer
  • Senior Management / Department Head at Fortune Corporations
  • Founder of a Successful Small Business
  • Holder of Two Patents: Sopo Dispenser and SUBScootA