Semi-retired and enjoying life in Upstate SC. I spend my time serving the local community. The majority of my time is spent supporting, serving and solving veterans in need.
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
I grew up on the family dairy farm in Dry Run, PA. I am a NAVY Veteran (1976-1985) and Vermont Air National Guard, Retired (1987-2007.) I attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC majoring in Aircraft Maintenance Technology (1982-1985.) My civilian A&P Mechanic experiences included FBO, Commuter Airlines, and Civilian Contractor work supporting Military/US Embassy aircraft. I’m a member of Camp Sevier 30th Infantry Division, American Legion Post 271, Mauldin, SC, and Post 271 Color Guard member. I’m a member of Vets Helping Vets, Greenville, volunteer for Bugles Across America and Taps For Veterans providing live Taps. I also provide Santa Magic being Santa Claus. I also enjoy being a vocalist singing patriotic songs. My wife Janis and I married for 38 years have four sons, two daughter-in-laws and six grandchildren.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
3 years.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am left handed.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
Mauldin’s Mayor Terry Merritt. I even nominated him to be included in this blog.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
Being a TEAM member of American Legion Post 271 Mauldin. It is a great multi-talented group of veterans and their families.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
Small city atmosphere.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
Bohemian Bull in Mauldin where I provided Santa Magic/Santa Claus in 2023.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
No Stranger Here!
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
Low Country Shrimper Mauldin. I just learned that they are not moving out of Mauldin and that makes me happy!
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
Practicing singing the National Anthem or sounding Taps at Veterans Memorials at Camp Sevier, Major Rudlof Anderson Memorial and Greenville County Vietnam War Memorial.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
Tom Hanks.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Sound Taps at the new WW1 Memorial in Washington, DC.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
While in a crowd, initiate a conversation with folks you don’t know.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Mayor Terry Merritt.
