Getting to Know Me: Beyond the Resume

A Life of Service, Scholarship, and Family: My Journey

Welcome to my corner of the web! I’m a military veteran with a passion for both service and scholarship. I served as an Intelligence Specialist in the Navy, having spent my final two years with VX-9 at NAWS China Lake. My journey in the armed forces has been complemented by an academic pursuit in Political Science, where I earned a PhD focusing on veterans' perspectives on American foreign policy and the effects of PTSD. This unique combination of experiences has shaped my current role as a Department of Defense civilian, where I specialize in data entry and provide detailed briefs to those seeking crucial information.

Family is at the heart of everything I do. I’ve been happily married to my wife for 18 years, and together we’ve raised two wonderful children. Our household is rounded out by our playful 5-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Daisy, and our charming cat, Josie. When I’m not working, you can find me coaching youth sports here in Ridgecrest, indulging my love for movies, or cheering on my favorite sports teams. I believe in the power of hard work and dedication but also make sure to balance it with plenty of fun.

Thanks for stopping by!

Critical Issues: What I’m Working To Improve

Government Transparency

Enhancing transparency and accountability

The public should know what's happening in your government and how your money is being spent.

Implement a real-time public ledger for all city expenditures.
Host monthly town hall meetings with open Q&A sessions.
Committed to improving public access to information by updating the city website, ensuring that residents have timely and comprehensive details to stay informed about local government activities and services.

Youth Engagement

Fund youth mentorship and leadership programs

I want to develop our youth's marketable skills (reading, writing, and communicating). By providing our youth with alternative after-school options we can help cultivate their abilities to enrich their lives.

Partner with local businesses to provide internship opportunities for high school students.
Launch community centers offering free after-school programs focusing on STEM and arts.
Create a city-sponsored youth leadership council to engage young voices in local governance.

Community Health and Wellness

Public/private health initiatives

Provide this area with sustainable health opportunities for families to live, thrive, and survive. Work with the local hospital to provide health access for our veterans.

Initiate community wellness programs in collaboration with local fitness centers and health experts.
Secure funding for mental health services in schools and workplaces.
Partner with local hospitals to establish a veterans' health access program.

Committed to Community: From Coaching Youth Sports to Local Leadership

My dedication to community service has always been a central part of my life. While I’m new to political office, my commitment to making a positive impact has been evident through my active role in coaching youth sports. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching basketball, soccer, baseball, and flag football, which has allowed me to directly contribute to the development and well-being of our young athletes.

Helping our youth thrive both on and off the field has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing their growth, teamwork, and enthusiasm for sports has been a highlight of my community involvement. As I transition into my role in local government, I am excited to leverage my experience and passion for service to further contribute to our community. I look forward to working closely with residents, addressing local issues, and fostering positive change to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

Independent veterans of america endorsement

Receiving the endorsement of the Independent Veterans of America is an especially meaningful honor to me because it represents something vital that we, as veterans, know all too well—the power of independence. As veterans, we've learned to rely on our training, on our team, and ultimately, on our own judgment when it mattered most. That independence is crucial, and I believe it’s the same in leadership.

In a time where our country and even our local communities often feel divided by the two-party system, being an independent veteran brings a unique advantage. It means I’m not beholden to party politics or rigid ideologies. I am free to lead based on what is right for Ridgecrest—not just what a political party says. I will make decisions driven by the needs of our community, not by partisanship.

This independence allows me to truly serve all of Ridgecrest—veterans, military families, and civilians alike—without the influence of external party agendas. My goal is to ensure we can come together, not based on political lines, but on our shared values of service, integrity, and progress. This endorsement affirms that vision, and together, we can lead Ridgecrest toward a stronger, more united future.

To learn more about the IVA, please feel free to check out their website here, to learn more about their mission and the other fantastic independent veteran candidates they have endorsed this year.

Insights from my research

As I campaign for mayor of Ridgecrest, I am excited to share how my background as a researcher in veteran issues will shape my vision for our community. Through my extensive research, I have gained valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by veterans. These insights will guide my efforts to ensure that Ridgecrest becomes a beacon of support and care for our veterans.

My research has consistently shown that veterans face a higher prevalence of mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. As mayor, I will advocate for expanded mental health resources and support systems tailored to the needs of our veteran community. Whether that is through advocating in meetings or meeting with local groups to work on initiatives, I know that we can work to make our veterans' lives a bit better.

A recurring theme in my research is the barrier veterans encounter when accessing healthcare services. Long wait times and insufficient facilities can significantly impact their well-being. As a veteran myself, who has had to deal with long drives and high wait times with the VA, I know the strain that this can put on an individual. I'll work to improve veteran access to local healthcare.

My research has not only informed my understanding of these critical issues but has also fueled my passion for creating tangible solutions. If elected as mayor, I will leverage these insights to drive policies and programs that directly address the needs of our veterans. Together, we can make Ridgecrest a model community where veterans receive the respect, care, and support they have earned.