BRIEF BIOGRAPHY

Rather than narcissistic self-aggrandizement, I intend the following

biographical information to provide you insight into my commitment

to the tasks I undertake.

I hold a Master of Arts degree in anthropology. For ten years, I

worked full-time utilizing this degree as an archaeologist. Currently, I

am enrolled in introductory entrepreneurship courses at ABTech as

well as pursuing a Master of Entrepreneurship degree from Western Carolina University.

These courses will help me found a non-profit organization. The first program I will launch in the non-profit will focus on economic development by helping military veterans to launch their own businesses.

I joined the US Army Reserves in 2000, and I experienced a very rewarding military career:

• 2001 selected Reserve Soldier of the Year for FORSCOM and USARC

• 2003-2005 mobilized in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom

• 2003-2004 deployed to Kuwait

• 2008 Honorable Discharge as Staff Sergeant (E-6)

I was honored to serve in the military, but I was shattered by the betrayal perpetrated by our civilian leadership who sent us to two wars, not to defend the meek and exploited people of the world, but to enrich themselves and their cronies. I am heart-broken when I hear reports of the deaths and injuries to our personnel and the non-combatants as well as the defenseless and downtrodden people around the globe that we cannot help because we are stuck in the two quagmires of Iraq and Afghanistan. I hope we can resolve those situations soon.

I am ecstatic to now live in western North Carolina where I can prosper. I find the people here fantastic and my work is very satisfying. I believe my non-profit will have a positive effect on people in western North Carolina.

I am not perfect. I am a real person with a complex life. I have plenty of regrets and lost opportunities and things that I wish I could amend. Nonetheless, all of my life experiences, good and bad, have brought me here at this moment and I am honored to live each day and educate my child. I only hope that, going forward, I can continue to serve and to be a relevant person.