Recently, during my run for Toms River Fire Commissioner;  some of my opponents questioned my qualifications for the position.  

Let me start with my greatest achievement: (1962-82) twenty years of honorable, active duty in the United States Air Force.  That included service in Vietnam for which I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.  Most of my other assignments were in command positions as a career intelligence officer. I retired in the grade of lieutenant colonel.

There followed rewarding work in the private and public sectors: (1982-2002) that included municipal administration, procurement posts with the City of New York; facilities/purchasing management, security and contract services with a commercial bank; and director of buildings and grounds with Hackensack public schools.

Now fully retired, I have been a resident in Toms River since June 2002.  However, I have been politically active since 2008, campaigning in elections for school board, county surrogate, NJ state assembly and Toms River Fire Commissioners' board.  So far, I have been unsuccessful in unseating the well-financed incumbents.

While I am still interested in federal, state and local politics, I am no longer into political activism.  However, I am still a watchdog and concerned neighbor in the Tom River community.