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While I 'm originally from Rockford, IL, I have lived in Mahoning County for the last twenty-six years. I graduated from Rockford West High School in 1965. Two years later I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served 4 years as a military journalist and in public relations until my discharge in 1971.
My first assignment was base newspaper editor for Mactan Air Base in the Philippines, a C-130 support base for the Vietnam war. The remainder of my enlistment was at George AFB, CA, where I served as editor, historian, and as a public affairs specialist until honorable discharge as a staff sergeant.
Wanting to continue serving my country, I accepted a commission in the Army Reserve as a veterinarian in 1983, serving in a Wisconsin unit for over a year until moving to Ohio in 1984.
I was re-commissioned to the Air Force Reserve
(IMA)
in 1994 as Captain, working as a Public Health Officer at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
While there I supported programs ensuring that our airmen were medically ready to deploy during several military operations.
In 2007 I received the rank of lieutenant colonel, and I will have concluded my twenty years of service in the United States Air Force
on
April
30
of this year.
With help from the GI Bill I was able to enroll at the University Of Illinois College Of Agriculture, graduating with a BS in Animal Science in 1974. I received a MS in Animal Nutrition in 1975. After working for a year at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, I was accepted to the University Of Illinois College Of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1980 with a DVM.
I moved to Youngstown, OH in 1984 to work as a veterinarian, and in 1987 I became Medical Director of Animal Charity, a humane society in Youngstown.
In 1992 I decided to open my own private small animal practice In Boardman, OH. With the assistance of my wife, Paula, we have grown this business on the principles of self discipline and hard work.
I am a member of Argus Lodge No. 545, F. & A.M., Youngstown Torch Club, Youngstown Rifle and Pistol Club, American Veterinary Medical Association, director of Companion Animal Protection Society (Denver), and I served on board of directors for Angels for Animals, Canfield, OH.
An amateur World War II historian, I wrote and published
Tarawa -- the Aftermath in 2001. The book includes many accounts by veterans who served on Tarawa. A book-related site continues with more veterans' stories and information, www.tarawatheaftermath.com.
Seeking a way to help our servicemen and women, I organized and performed the first annual free vaccination clinic for Marine family pets at Camp Lejeune, NC, in September 2005. With vaccines and pet care supplies donated by major corporations, and with the help of the U.S. Army Veterinary Service at Camp Lejeune. The one-day clinic has been repeated annually in September for the last four years, immunizing hundreds of pets.
I was honored to receive the 2005 Community Builder's Award "for outstanding service," presented by the Mason's Temple on the Hill Lodges in Youngstown, OH.
On Feb. 25, 2007, I received the Ohio Animal Health Foundation Distinguished Service Award "For exceptional dedication in serving the welfare of animals, his community, and the veterinary profession." The award was presented during the annual Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Conference in Columbus.
I am married to my wife of eighteen years, Paula, and have four children.
