I was born in Texas, but due to military service and career choices, I have lived in numerous locations around the world. I presently reside in Ellenton, Florida (Tampa area). We are in the process of moving back to U.S. Mainland from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Presently, in addition to various other ventures, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a Homeland Security concentration. My entire family enjoys the sports of scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing, which makes Florida not a shabby place to live. During my younger years, I loved snow skiing as well as other strenuous adventures. At 70, I restrict my time to floating in or on top of the waters of the world.
I share my life with my wife, two grown children, and the prettiest and sweetest granddaughter a man could ever want. I am a former U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran of the Viet Nam War, where I served as Assistant Squad Leader of CAP124, which was a Special Ops unit started during the war. CAP124 consisted of eight Marines dropped into the jungles of the Quang Tin Province where we served as the protectors of the local farmers and villagers in an area of operation that covered about 225 square miles. Throughout the war, approximately 5000 CAP Marines served on behalf of the indigenous population. I am one of less than 500 that made it back alive. We lived in the jungles of Viet Nam with no benefit of a compound or firebase to call home 24/7s and only left when we were injured, killed, or rotated home at the end of our tour of duty; in my case, an explosion left me severely wounded during my 12th month of service.
I retired from law enforcement as the lead Sergeant of the Crimes Against Children Task Force and second in command of the Criminal Investigations Division. After retirement from law enforcement, I served as the Central Region Commander of the ANCOP program in Afghanistan from 2006-2008. As commander, I was in charge of 300+ personnel and 11 provinces, which included four FOBs (Forward Operating Bases) and two major training facilities. I spent most of my time in each of the provinces pursuing ways to improve the daily lives of the indigenous population.
In 2013, I joined forces with Retired FBI Special Agent Greg Bristol in his efforts to create the Human Trafficking Investigations & Training Institute (HTITI) based out of Virginia. I serve as the Vice-President and Executive Director of Caribbean Crimes. We provide advanced investigation training to law enforcement entities interested in developing specific skillsets through scenario-based forensic investigation seminars devoted strictly to human trafficking investigations. Also, we provide awareness training to major non-government organizations.
In addition to helping with HTITI, I serve as a full-time professor of criminal justice and homeland security with Columbia Southern University and adjunct professor with the University of the Virgin Islands.
I recently received an invitation to join the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a civilian contributor to the Bomb Making Awareness Program (BMAP). I will serve as an instructor/guest speaker on behalf of DHS to bring knowledge and experience to the public concerning terrorist use of volatile household products that may serve in the creation of Homemade Explosive Devices (HME). This opportunity is a 100% volunteer position and reserved for individuals that possess a strong working knowledge and experience not only in explosives but also in combating terrorism.
I am honored to have been chosen for such a position.
Additionally, I am a published author of numerous articles and one book, with my second book in final editing for publication in late 2019 or early 2020. My first book details my life as a CAP Marine and the services we provided to ensure the safety and welfare of the indigenous population. The book, published in 1997, is titled CAP MOT. My next book is titled: COUNTRY COP: True Life Stories of a Texas Deputy Sheriff. The publisher, UNT Press, will be marketing the book as a supplemental textbook for criminal justice and homeland security programs.
You may be asking yourself why a 70-year-old person would be interested in pursuing a Ph.D.? The answer is simple. I chose to never give up the fight against crime; especially against human trafficking and terrorism. This degree path will ensure that I remain capable and current with all certification requirements as a professor and professional in the field of criminal justice.
My primary motivation throughout my life rests with a favorite Bible verse, “13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John. 15:13, New International Version).
