I was born in Texas and spent much of my early life near the Gulf Coast, but my family moved to Pensacola for several years when I was young, and we often visited my great uncle who worked at the naval air station.
I started thinking about serving in the military in junior high. My dad had been an electrician’s mate during World War II—a petty officer on board the USS Southard (DMS-10) off Guadalcanal. When I was in high-school, my girlfriend’s father was an Air Force fighter pilot who had trained many of the early astronauts, some of whom I met. I wanted to fly Navy! So I applied to the Naval Academy and sought a congressional appointment. I will never forget the elation I felt receiving my letter of appointment from Texas Senator Ralph Yarborough on 15 April 1969!
It was as a midshipman that I first learned about the Naval Institute. Though I wasn’t a member at the time, Proceedings was in the company wardroom, and I loved reading every issue. I always learned something new. I so appreciate a forum that encourages realistic thinking and discourse that may not necessarily be what the “Big Navy” or Marine Corps espouses. Even now, after many decades as a Life Member of the Institute, if there is an article by a midshipman or junior officer—or a history article—I read it first.
When I graduated from the Academy in 1973, I opted to commission in the Marine Corps. After The Basic School, I went to Ft. Knox, Kentucky, to the Army’s Armor School. I then became a tank platoon commander with the 1st Tank Battalion—the camaraderie of “C” Company is one of my favorite memories. I later served as aide de camp to Major General Charles Davis Mize, Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Amphibious Force. When General Mize retired in mid-1976, I was assigned to the Naval Academy’s Leadership and Law Department. In addition to my teaching duties, I coached the lightweight crew (I’d rowed heavyweights as a mid) and mentored midshipmen who wanted to join the Corps.
It was an honor to serve in the Marine Corps, but I was ready for the next chapter of my life. I resigned my commission in 1979 and, since then, have primarily been involved in commercial real estate—first with Trammell Crow and, until recently, with USAA. I’m now retired; my wife, Virginia, and I live outside San Antonio.
Attending the Naval Academy was a seminal event in my life. I’ve remained an active alumnus and have served as my class’s president since 2018. Among the many friendships and other blessings that resulted from my Academy experience, I count my introduction to the Naval Institute. I am committed to giving back to the Institute for all the mental stimulation it has given me! For a number of years, I have sponsored Institute memberships for the midshipmen of my former Academy company, as well as for the mids of Prairie View A&M and Rice universities. I’m enthusiastic about the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center and how it will enhance the Institute’s mission for generations to come. Virginia and I will be along for the ride as sponsors on the Center’s Celestial Wall.
When I’m asked if I can recommend the military to young people my answer is a resounding YES! Absolutely! Serve your country! Give back! Our son served as a Marine officer through Baylor University’s Platoon Leaders Class program. We could not be more proud.