I am a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran having served exactly one year at F.A.S.U., Binh Thuy, Vietnam. My MOS was Aviation Structural Mechanic Egress Systems (I worked on Ejection Seats). It wasn’t until around 2006 that it was determined that I had PTSD (an invisible wound) from my time in Vietnam. I am the author of 4 Books ranging from a mini autobiography to Hockey and Auto racing. I have lived most of my life in Michigan and was born in Saginaw. After arriving back in Michigan, I started Titanic Norwegian Elkhounds; where I bred, trained, and showed Norwegian Elkhounds. I wanted to be on “The Faces of Ingham County” to make more people aware of our PTSD group and what Mason VFW Post 7309 is doing during this whole pandemic situation to help out our group, named the “Dirtiest Dozen”, and our commitment to helping current Veterans from various wars navigate the VA hoops that they will be jumping through to get the help they need, as well as, meeting Veterans that will encourage them that they need to share their experiences before they sink into depression and possibly commit suicide.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m married to my second wife, Kathie, and we both graduated from Saginaw St. Mary’s Cathedral in 1965.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m retired but worked various jobs with my last position being a staff writer covering auto races throughout the Southwest for The Pahrump Valley Times.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Spags and Cancun in Williamston.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Have lived 13 years in Williamston after three years living in Bath.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I’ve met is Rob Farrier, another Vietnam Veteran, as well as Chuck Burnham, also a Vietnam Veteran.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have a burning desire to revisit Vietnam. This will never happen because of my PTSD.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movies – Slapshot and Youngblood. TV program – HGTV.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I am the last person that should be giving advice.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Being behind the wheel of an IMCA Modified or a Dirt Late Model.
Q: Who is your “go-to” band when you can’t decide what music you want to hear?
I don’t have a favorite band but I mostly listen to country music. I really like hearing “Bad to the Bone” by George Thorogood and the Destroyers.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jason Cord and Ralph Shaheen, and we’d meet at Spags in Williamston.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Zoo.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Probably dead.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have attended almost every Williamston High School basketball game (boys and girls) and I have not had any children attending the school. I just enjoy high school sports.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Probably Hawaii, albeit for a refueling of jet headed to Vietnam. Here in Michigan, Pellston.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? Best single day on the calendar?
March (my birthday is March 3) – I don’t have a favorite holiday – Obviously March 3.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I never rate anything a 10 out of 10 unless whatever it is proves that they really earned such a valuation.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, as she is really is a saint because it’s not easy to live with a Veteran who has been deployed overseas and returns with a PTSD determination.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Puppy breath and anywhere “Up North.”
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
Meagan Lewis, the wife of HS basketball coach Tom and mother of Riley and Kenzie who have entertained me at games.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Michigan; Saginaw Hockey teams; and Bravehearts in Pellston.
