Born in Ogden, Utah. An Air Force child. At 17, I joined the US Navy, serving in the Submarine Force for 20 years. Duty stations included sea duty aboard submarines homeported in Charleston, SC and San Diego, CA, and sea duty on US Navy ships homeported in Guam and La Maddalena, Sardinia. I've had the chance to visit many countries and experience many cultures.
In 1996, while assigned to staff duty in Pearl Harbor, HI, I enrolled at Chaminade University of Honolulu and attended classes weeknights and Saturdays. Majoring in Historical and Political Studies, and minoring in Criminal Justice, I earned my BA, graduating with the Class of 1999.
I love reading, mostly on historical subjects, with an emphasis on military and ancient history. As for fiction, my favorite author, at least the one from whom I've read the most books, is Alexander McCall Smith. I especially enjoy the 44 Scotland Street series. The series sparked my interest in poetry because it includes references to poems and poets throughout and each book ends with the recitement of a poem. When Mr. Smith personally replied to an e-mail I sent him, my respect for him soared even higher.
I wish I can say that I have the burning desire to write. I want the burning desire to write. But until then, if, and when, I write to express myself. I write when I feel the need.
I only read the occasional poem, and I do not own any books on the subjecf, therefore, when I submit poems to PoetrySoup, I never use the plagiarism checker. I figure, what are the odds of two people thinking the exact same thing? I cross my heart, it is not because of any arrogance on my part, it is because I am naive. Any similarities to previous writing is coincidental and I apologize beforehand.