Biography

As the son of a Naval Officer, I was extremely fortunate to grow up in Hawaii. I have always lived quite close to the ocean, and have been drawn to it my whole life. Whether it is fishing, surfing, or scuba diving, I have spent the better part of my life on the ocean. I suppose that is one of the things that drew me to a career with the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has allowed me the opportunity to travel around the world, to see amazing places and things, and best of all, get paid to do it!

I graduated from National University with a BS in Criminal Justice, and originally planned on becoming a police officer. I was drawn to follow (somewhat) in my father’s footsteps, and became a sailor instead. Joining the Coast Guard allowed me not only to become a sailor, but to take an active role in law enforcement. I have boarded ships on the high seas, seized illegal drugs, rescued people in the middle of the ocean… it’s been quite an experience.

So why am I now going for an EDTEC degree? Well, within my organization, I have always been looking at ways that we can provide better training and improve the performance of the Coast Guard’s most valuable asset… its members. EDTEC is something that I can apply to my job in the Coast Guard and, once my career is finished, go to work in the private sector.

Technology has definitely changed since receiving my bachelor’s degree back in 1998. Upon completion of my EDTEC program, I will better be able to perform within the Coast Guard, and once I retire, perhaps pursue a second career in the Performance Analysis field.