Post DSHS graduation, enlisted in the US Air Force 1975 thru 1978 and assigned to Beale AFB California as an Fire Protection Specialist. During my service, Connie and I had our daughter Heather Kristine in November 1977. After military service, I was hired a firefighter in December of 1978 in the Bay Area, and continued my firefighting career until retirement August 26th 2013. In 1983 I graduated from American River College, and the University of Maryland in 1999. Awarded the 1999 California State Firefighters' Association and U.S. Safety's "1999 Hall of Fame Award" for contributions to my fire department, my local community, and the fire/rescue services in general. I also taught at Butte Community College in Oroville California from 1996 through 2013, in the HazMat Division. After retirement, Connie and I moved to Northwest Arkansas where we currently reside to be closer to our families in Louisiana and Michigan. Love it!