Where were you when you decided to join the military?

I was in Northern Dallas, Texas, in the house where I grew up, a one-story brick home.

Why did you decide to join the military?

We had this huge painting of the United States Naval Academy on the wall of our house. I found out that we had that painting because my father graduated from the Naval Academy in 1969. After asking him about his service, I discovered that not only did he serve as an officer, but his dad was also an officer in World War II. So naturally, I was drawn to serving.

When and where did you serve?

I ended up signing and taking the oath before 9/11. And then, once the tragedy occurred, I was commissioned into the US Army. I later served in Iraq and Korea.