716 SW Evergreen Avenue Redmond, OR 97756 (541) 604-5403

In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, Clarence the Angel shows the hero George Bailey what life would have been like had he not been born. George experiences how his life had touched so many other lives, and how those lives touched other lives. Near the end of the movie, Clarence tells George that he has had a wonderful life. I don’t pretend to have had the life like the hero George Bailey, but my own experiences have shown me just how wonderful my life has been.

I was blessed and honored enough to be able to serve my country for twenty years as a member of the United Stated Marine Corps. Throughout the twenty years, I served in a variety of different and challenging jobs culminating as a member of the Commanding Officer’s staff. It was during this time that I earned my Bachelor’s degree in business from Campbell University. It was also during this time, while serving in Yuma, Arizona, that I fell in love with the open spaces of the western United States. After I retired from the Marine Corps, I settled in the city of Redmond, Oregon.

It was also while serving in Yuma that I met a wonderful Oregon lady who would ultimately become my best friend and wife of just over 22 years. I helped raise three wonderful step-children (Julie, Daniel and Matthew) and when asked, I call them mine. We were also blessed with two beautiful children of our own; Katie age 21, and Benjamin age 20, and we have been blessed with the opportunity to raise our granddaughter (Mary age 15) for the past 12 years.

I didn’t have the opportunity to continue my education while still on active duty so after settling down in Redmond, I began my quest for a Master’s in Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. I completed my quest in October 2007. It was also while I was busy studying that I was promoted to my current position at JELD-WEN Development as the Property Owner’s Association Accounting Manager, overseeing the budgeting, financial accounting and credit/collections for over twenty-five home owner’s associations.

Mosiah in the Book or Mormon says that when we are in the service of our fellow man, we are only in the service of our God. My call to service has allowed me to serve my fellow man and my God, not just during my military career, but in other aspects over the years. From being a Boy Scout leader, leading a team at the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life, and serving on the Board of Directors of Healing Reins therapeutic riding center, I gain tremendous satisfaction and joy in serving others. To anyone who wants to experience sublime happiness, look at the smiles of those you serve. My continued desire to serve was one of the driving forces that led me to run for Redmond City Council.

I work for a fantastic group of people at JELD-WEN and a seasoned employee with the company, who has had several close calls with his health, has taught us all that everyday of life is valuable and good, and that we should find at least one magic moment everyday. Enjoying life should be the rule, not the exception: it’s a wonderful life.