Place
of birth?
Wheeling,
West 'By God' Virginia.
Education
Background?
BS/History,
West Virginia University; MA/Bus. Management,
Webster University
Family
Background?
My
father was from Canada. He wanted to join
the military during WW II, but was not medically
qualified. In addition to Philosophy, he
was passionate about classical music and
played the viola. His gift for languages
and his knowledge in the Middle East made
him an accomplished Foreign Service Officer.
My mother was of German heritage and grew
up in Pennnsylvania Dutch country. She was
discontented growing up on a farm, which
led to her being the first person in her
family to graduate from college, no small
achievement for a woman in the 1920's.
I
grew up fascinated with the military, scholarly
exploration, and music. I always knew I wanted
to be a soldier. There are childhood pictures
of me posed as one with a toy rifle. I spent
my early childhood in Lebanon and Syria;
went to a British private school. I remember
a birthday in Cairo, a trip tp Petra ("the
rose red city") and my parents refusal to
take me to the crusader castle built by Richard
The Lionhearted (still on my 'to do list').
Professional
Background
I
attended Valley Forge Military Academy where
I learned to ride a horse. Nevertheless,
during my career in the Army, the Infantry,
not the cavalry,and ultimately Special Forces
(the 'Green Berets') were where my heart
lay. I served two tours in Viet Nam. My only
regret is that I couldn't have served more.
I
spent three years in the Marine Corps; twenty
seven years in Army. Retired as Lieutenant
Colonel, Special Forces. Graduated 5 higher
level military courses to include Industrial
War College and Air University.
Why
did you choose to join Rotary/Rotary
Club of Casselberry?
My
wife had been a Rotarian for several years.
During her year as President-Elect of the
Rotary Club of Casselberry, she had her right
arm in a full cast for several months. In
the course of my activities as her caretaker,
aide-de camp, chauffeur, etc. I became more
intimately acquainted with and interested
in Rotary.
Who
was your sponsor? What has been your
involvement with Rotary?
My
sponsor was Malcolm MacDiarmid. I have been
the club's Secretary, Treasurer (many years)
and have been a weekly volunteer for the
Meals On Wheels program for just as many.
Also
about John...he has been married to Kathleen
for twenty two years. He says that "I am
the dedicated caretaker for three demandindg,
but not necessarily grateful, housecats and
numerous neighborhood feral cats. I've sometimes
thought that if we choose what we do in the
afterlife, I want to be a shepherd for little
animals. Truth be told, I tend to always
like animals, which I can't always say about
people."
