Following a military career of 25 years in both the enlisted and officer corps', I retired as a Limited Duty Officer (Mustang) with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. I was the Navy's first Physical Security Officer (6490) with responsibilities for military law enforcement, physical security,antiterrorism and emergency management programs at naval facilities throughout the Southwestern U.S., the Caribbean, Western Pacific, and the Persian Gulf, both at sea and ashore. I am a graduate of the FBI National Academy (140th Session) and numerous antiterrorism, law enforcement and emergency management schools. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Workforce Education and Curriculum Development, and a Master's Degree (MA) in National Security Affairs: Homeland Security and Defense.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, I was the director of the Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services from May 1995 through October 2003, where I coordinated the State's disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs to overcome the effects of fire, flood, ice and snow emergencies, landslides that cut off roads and isolated towns, and the escape of lions, tigers, and hybrid wolves from a self-styled wild animal park. I directed the State's response and recovery operations for over 50 local disasters, 25 state-declared major emergencies and disasters, and four Presidentially-declared disasters leading to physical and economic recovery of numerous communities throughout the State of Idaho.

I have over 40 years of combined service in antiterrorism, emergency planning, and response and recovery operations as a firefighter, civilian and military police officer, and as an emergency manager. I am nationally certified by the National Coordinating Council on Emergency Management and the International Association of Emergency Managers. I was the Communications Officer at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security from November 2003 until I retired from State public service late in May 2005.

Since retiring, I am more involved in amateur radio serving as as a volunteer with the National Communications System's SHARES program. I was formerly the ARRL Section Manager for the San Diego Section, having first held numerous Section and ARES positions. I was also the Idaho Section Manager until work, school, and health concerns diverted my time and attention.

Since retiring, I have composed two musical pieces:  "American Bridal Waltz" and Sunset in the Harbor" followed by a book that was published in August 2008 entitled "Sea Stories & Navy Tales.  I am currently working on a historical novel entitled "The Last Confederate Battle," which should be out in August 2009.

 73 to all,

 John