I served in the US Navy during the early stages of the Vietnam War. I was honourably discharged in 1966 as an HM2, hospital corpsman 2nd class. I studied at San Diego State University where I earned a BS in Health Science and at San Jose State University where I earned a Masters in Public Health.
From 1985-2003 I served the Bay Area and Western PVA chapter as a member of the board of directors, sports director and filled in as secretary/treasurer.