5 Things about Me

1.  My daughter is the greatest blessing that I could ever have in my life.  She is a tremendously gifted artist that I will brag about until I see her name in the credits of the next animated movie.  I wouldn't be able to say anything about myself until I give the reason why I am so happy.

2.  I am originally from Waterbury, CT and moved to Maine when I was 18.  I was very good athlete growing up but I allowed the negative influences of the area I grew up in to affect me so I enrolled in the job corps program which gave me the opportunity to refocus and change for the better.  I did get the chance to revisit school sports.  I played college basketball at the age of 33.

3.  I proudly served in the United States Army in defense of our freedom after the attack on our country on 9/11.  I was 29 when I joined so I was considered the "Old Man" of my basic training class.  This was by far one of the most difficult challenges that I have ever faced but I grew as a person and excelled as a soldier.  My time overseas was bittersweet, I missed my family but was proud of the job that I was doing.  I did get injured on deployment and the Army recognized my accomplishments by awarding me leadership honors and granting me a full retirement.  I am currently positioning myself to give back by volunteering for the VA.

4.  Professionally, I have received a 4yr degree from NESCOM and a graduate degree from Husson which has allowed me to work in the community with professionals of various occupations.  I have had the privilege of working as DJ and radio broadcaster, writer for the Bangor Daily News and Chef at the Lucerne Inn.  Because I have so much fun working in those areas I actually don't consider it work.  Who doesn't like getting paid for having fun.

5.  Personally, my passions are cooking and writing.  There are many other things that I consider my hobbies but these two things are my creative escape.  I don't mind hosting small dinner parties or just experimenting in my own kitchen.  I created some nice recipes that others enjoy and are available for purchase online.  Writing for me is therapy.  Since coming home from overseas I have been able to write as a means of decompressing and also as a way to have others see the positive in adverse situations.  I have been fortunate enough to publish a book and am currently responding to requests to write another.