I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1977 and completed Hospital Corpsman “A” school. I then reported and completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training with Class 98 in August of 1978. By 1981, I completed multiple operational tours included with Underwater Demolition Team 11 he entered the active Naval Reserve where I served with SEAL TEAM 1/3/5, while completing my studies at San Diego State University. While serving at Naval Special Warfare Center I was selected to the Navy In-Service Physician Assistant Program. I was commissioned as an Ensign, Medical Service Corps in September 1991.

After commissioning and assignment to NH Marianna Islands, I deployed in support of Naval Special Warfare Unit 1. Follow-on tours included Department Head of USS Willamette (AO-180). I supported Casualty Receiving and Evacuation element of EMF 5, 1st MEF for OIF invasion in 2003. From 2003-2005, I was a medical provider for the Presidential Emergency Operations Center while assigned to the White House Medical Unit. I provided care for the Peleliu Pacific Partnership Humanitarian Service Mission in 2007 and Forward Command Surgeon for the Combined Forces Special Operations Central Command in 2008, and Medical LNO to ODRP USEMB Islamabad. I served as Medical Department Head for SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Group 3, Logistics Support Unit 3. I am presently serving as the Command Surgeon for Special Operations Command Pacific.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University, a Bachelor of Science Degree from George Washington University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska. I also received Joint Professional Military Education from the Air Staff and Command College, and a Fellow of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. My decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2 awards) Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards) Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), Army Achievement Medal and various unit, campaign, and service awards.

I got out of the Navy following my first enlistment. In 1984, three major life events happened. I married Beth – who has stuck with me ever since; graduated from San Diego State; and was hired as an intern pastor at the church we attended. I continued pastoring until being recalled into the Navy after Desert Storm in 1991. Was at SEAL Team 5 until it was announced that SDVT-1 was transferring to Pearl Harbor in 1994. Since Beth is from Hawaii and our sons hadn’t spent much time with her Dad, I swapped with a guy at SDVT who wanted to stay on the Strand.

In 1996 it was discovered that I had a brain tumor (I know, that explains a lot) — and the Navy revoked my SpecWar qualifications. I was given the choice to either go to the fleet or retire. So, after they stirred around in my noggin with a sharp stick in 1997, I retired to Texas and started working as a consultant to oil and gas exploration companies.

We have two sons (David and JP) born in 1985 and 1987. Both our sons decided to enlist and go to BUD/S. David was in class 278 and went to SEAL Team 1. JP was in class 294 and went to SEAL Team 5 and then transferred to the east coast after two deployments.

We moved back to San Diego in 2011 when David broke his back parachuting. He is paralyzed below mid-abdomen. Two years later, David married his long-time girlfriend, Janet, and together they manage VIP NeuroRehabilitation clinic in San Diego where David is CEO and still a patient. They have two children, Haylee (2 years), and JP (1 year). I worked for a small gas exploration company in San Diego for a few years until they went belly up. Since then I’ve been retired. I manage a small portfolio of rental properties and mentor young military guys (and a few fellow geezers). In August 2018 I did a fundraiser bicycle ride for VIP from San Francisco to San Diego. It was a blast … and birthed the idea of Beyond the Teams, a story to be continued.

Prior to BUD/S, I was a non-rated, blackshoe deck seaman on an ocean-going diving and salvage tug in the fleet, the USS Cree, ATF-84. After graduating from BUD/S, I went to UDT-11 and completed a WestPac deployment. I was selected for the first Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1980.

I graduated in 1981 with a BA in History from the University of Washington in Seattle. I was commissioned Ensign in February 1982. From there it was DLI for German, ST-2 platoon AOIC, PEP Germany, ST-8 platoon OIC, NAVSCIATTS XO, and NSWU-8 XO in Panama, Naval War College, Training Officer, Task Unit Commander and Chief Staff Officer at CNSWG-1. My twilight tour was XO of NSW Center (BUD/S). I retired as a commander in 2001.

Post Teams work has included contracting jobs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. I am married with four children and three grandchildren, am a Christian and cancer survivor. I am now living on 6 acres in the mountains of western North Carolina.

I served 37 years as a SEAL, 10 of those years as enlisted up to E6 and retired at the rank of Captain. I retired in April 2014 in Tampa and finally reaching the point of not having any more fun. Now here’s the rest of my story.

I served with SEAL Team TWO for several years. I took my shore duty at BUD/S and strangely enough, I was able to start and finish a Bachelor’s degree. Since I was aged, I almost was too old to become an officer, but they decided to have mercy on an old soul and let me go on anyway. I smooth-talked the detailer and was able to return to the East Coast, SEAL Team FOUR.

After Team FOUR, I was off to adventures at SEAL Team EIGHT, which came online quickly and was a fun team that took risks. After that tour, the C.O. at Team EIGHT mentioned that SPECWAR was standing up a Detachment in Italy and asked if I was interested….my answer, of course, was yes. ” Italy was amazing; I met my current wife there. After Italy, it was a whirlwind of various assignments taking us around the country (multiple cross-country treks) which was good for Alessandra to experience the U.S. We were dragging around our young daughter Giorgia so she was enriched also by the exposure of moving every two years.

We slowed a bit and I got bored so I finally finished my first civilian Master’s degree then quickly was offered the Navy War College…. I was told to not turn that down….so off we went. Giorgia had a glorious summer that year since she could finally learn how to ride a bike. We were on base housing so she had a safe area to ride and plenty of other kids her age to explore the environs. The Navy decided that the students from War College should actually pay back what they learned via assignment to the most appropriate command. My selection pushed me towards SOCOM in Tampa… thankfully. After seeing Tampa, we decided this a great place to retire so here we are. Also, our daughter was in high school so that made the decision even easier. We moved across the bay from Tampa to a much smaller feeling St. Pete town where life is glorious.

Post BUDS I served with SEAL Team TWO. After my military service, I returned to California and went back to school, majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Chemistry. I also got married to my first and only wife, now married 36 years. I simultaneously completed my BS and solely supported what became a family of five. I became a professional firefighter serving almost 20 years with Glendale FD in Southern California. My experience there included Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Fire Inspector, Plans Checker, Shift Arson Investigator, and Public Education Coordinator. Among other awards, I was recognized with a Character & Ethics Project Award from the local, county, and state agencies for my work in Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention and I received a Certification of Special Congressional Recognition. My career was cut short by injuries.

Have volunteered as a youth coach for various sports. I volunteered to help rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. I served my local church by running the security team and worked weekly in a service group.

In 2014, I obtained a Master’s degree in National Security Studies. In 2017, we moved from our mountain ski resort home of 28 years to Denver where I currently work in Mission Support for TSA. We have three well educated, successful children who are serving their communities and country in the example set forth for them. We have two grandsons and two granddaughters.

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1977 and completed Hospital Corpsman “A” school. I then reported and completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training with Class 98 in August of 1978. By 1981, I completed multiple operational tours included with Underwater Demolition Team 11 he entered the active Naval Reserve where I served with SEAL TEAM 1/3/5, while completing my studies at San Diego State University. While serving at Naval Special Warfare Center I was selected to the Navy In-Service Physician Assistant Program. I was commissioned as an Ensign, Medical Service Corps in September 1991.

After commissioning and assignment to NH Marianna Islands, I deployed in support of Naval Special Warfare Unit 1. Follow-on tours included Department Head of USS Willamette (AO-180). I supported Casualty Receiving and Evacuation element of EMF 5, 1st MEF for OIF invasion in 2003. From 2003-2005, I was a medical provider for the Presidential Emergency Operations Center while assigned to the White House Medical Unit. I provided care for the Peleliu Pacific Partnership Humanitarian Service Mission in 2007 and Forward Command Surgeon for the Combined Forces Special Operations Central Command in 2008, and Medical LNO to ODRP USEMB Islamabad. I served as Medical Department Head for SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Group 3, Logistics Support Unit 3. I am presently serving as the Command Surgeon for Special Operations Command Pacific.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University, a Bachelor of Science Degree from George Washington University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska. I also received Joint Professional Military Education from the Air Staff and Command College, and a Fellow of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. My decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2 awards) Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards) Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), Army Achievement Medal and various unit, campaign, and service awards.

I got out of the Navy following my first enlistment. In 1984, three major life events happened. I married Beth – who has stuck with me ever since; graduated from San Diego State; and was hired as an intern pastor at the church we attended. I continued pastoring until being recalled into the Navy after Desert Storm in 1991. Was at SEAL Team 5 until it was announced that SDVT-1 was transferring to Pearl Harbor in 1994. Since Beth is from Hawaii and our sons hadn’t spent much time with her Dad, I swapped with a guy at SDVT who wanted to stay on the Strand.

In 1996 it was discovered that I had a brain tumor (I know, that explains a lot) — and the Navy revoked my SpecWar qualifications. I was given the choice to either go to the fleet or retire. So, after they stirred around in my noggin with a sharp stick in 1997, I retired to Texas and started working as a consultant to oil and gas exploration companies.

We have two sons (David and JP) born in 1985 and 1987. Both our sons decided to enlist and go to BUD/S. David was in class 278 and went to SEAL Team 1. JP was in class 294 and went to SEAL Team 5 and then transferred to the east coast after two deployments.

We moved back to San Diego in 2011 when David broke his back parachuting. He is paralyzed below mid-abdomen. Two years later, David married his long-time girlfriend, Janet, and together they manage VIP NeuroRehabilitation clinic in San Diego where David is CEO and still a patient. They have two children, Haylee (2 years), and JP (1 year). I worked for a small gas exploration company in San Diego for a few years until they went belly up. Since then I’ve been retired. I manage a small portfolio of rental properties and mentor young military guys (and a few fellow geezers). In August 2018 I did a fundraiser bicycle ride for VIP from San Francisco to San Diego. It was a blast … and birthed the idea of Beyond the Teams, a story to be continued.

Prior to BUD/S, I was a non-rated, blackshoe deck seaman on an ocean-going diving and salvage tug in the fleet, the USS Cree, ATF-84. After graduating from BUD/S, I went to UDT-11 and completed a WestPac deployment. I was selected for the first Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1980.

I graduated in 1981 with a BA in History from the University of Washington in Seattle. I was commissioned Ensign in February 1982. From there it was DLI for German, ST-2 platoon AOIC, PEP Germany, ST-8 platoon OIC, NAVSCIATTS XO, and NSWU-8 XO in Panama, Naval War College, Training Officer, Task Unit Commander and Chief Staff Officer at CNSWG-1. My twilight tour was XO of NSW Center (BUD/S). I retired as a commander in 2001.

Post Teams work has included contracting jobs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. I am married with four children and three grandchildren, am a Christian and cancer survivor. I am now living on 6 acres in the mountains of western North Carolina.

I served 37 years as a SEAL, 10 of those years as enlisted up to E6 and retired at the rank of Captain. I retired in April 2014 in Tampa and finally reaching the point of not having any more fun. Now here’s the rest of my story.

I served with SEAL Team TWO for several years. I took my shore duty at BUD/S and strangely enough, I was able to start and finish a Bachelor’s degree. Since I was aged, I almost was too old to become an officer, but they decided to have mercy on an old soul and let me go on anyway. I smooth-talked the detailer and was able to return to the East Coast, SEAL Team FOUR.

After Team FOUR, I was off to adventures at SEAL Team EIGHT, which came online quickly and was a fun team that took risks. After that tour, the C.O. at Team EIGHT mentioned that SPECWAR was standing up a Detachment in Italy and asked if I was interested….my answer, of course, was yes. ” Italy was amazing; I met my current wife there. After Italy, it was a whirlwind of various assignments taking us around the country (multiple cross-country treks) which was good for Alessandra to experience the U.S. We were dragging around our young daughter Giorgia so she was enriched also by the exposure of moving every two years.

We slowed a bit and I got bored so I finally finished my first civilian Master’s degree then quickly was offered the Navy War College…. I was told to not turn that down….so off we went. Giorgia had a glorious summer that year since she could finally learn how to ride a bike. We were on base housing so she had a safe area to ride and plenty of other kids her age to explore the environs. The Navy decided that the students from War College should actually pay back what they learned via assignment to the most appropriate command. My selection pushed me towards SOCOM in Tampa… thankfully. After seeing Tampa, we decided this a great place to retire so here we are. Also, our daughter was in high school so that made the decision even easier. We moved across the bay from Tampa to a much smaller feeling St. Pete town where life is glorious.

Post BUDS I served with SEAL Team TWO. After my military service, I returned to California and went back to school, majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Chemistry. I also got married to my first and only wife, now married 36 years. I simultaneously completed my BS and solely supported what became a family of five. I became a professional firefighter serving almost 20 years with Glendale FD in Southern California. My experience there included Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Fire Inspector, Plans Checker, Shift Arson Investigator, and Public Education Coordinator. Among other awards, I was recognized with a Character & Ethics Project Award from the local, county, and state agencies for my work in Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention and I received a Certification of Special Congressional Recognition. My career was cut short by injuries.

Have volunteered as a youth coach for various sports. I volunteered to help rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. I served my local church by running the security team and worked weekly in a service group.

In 2014, I obtained a Master’s degree in National Security Studies. In 2017, we moved from our mountain ski resort home of 28 years to Denver where I currently work in Mission Support for TSA. We have three well educated, successful children who are serving their communities and country in the example set forth for them. We have two grandsons and two granddaughters.