Born and raised in Geneva, NY.  Attended Cornell University, graduating in May 1996.  Commissioned as a 2ndLt in the Marine Corps on 1 June 1996.  After graduating from Cornell spent some time in Quantico, VA going through initial Marine Corps officer training at The Basic School and received the position of Ground Intelligence Officer.  Attended follow on training at the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, VA followed by intelligence training at the U.S. Army Intelligence School in Fort Huachuca Arizona.  Spent initial tour after completing training with First Marine Division located in Camp Pendleton, California.  Held various initial positions culminating in a two and a half year tour as the Scout/Sniper Platoon Commander for 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines and in a Western Pacific deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (aboard the USS Tarawa).  After completing the deployment with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines and the 13th MEU, left the Marine Corps at end of active service (EAS) in May 2001.  Traveled the U.S. in an RV, backpacked through Europe.  Returned to active duty in the Marine Corps in November 2001.  Spent one year in Quantico, VA at the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA) followed by a two year tour in Okinawa, Japan with the 1^st Marine Aircraft Wing.  After the Japan tour, received orders to Officer Selection Station Manhattan, Recruiting Station New York serving as an Officer Selection Officer for the past two years in New York City.  Began current tour as the Executive Officer and Marine Officer Instructor with the NROTC Unit at SUNY Maritime on 1 July 2006.