Tell us a little about yourself, your background and where you are from.
Like so many in our area, the U.S. Navy brought me to the Jacksonville area.
I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and remained in the state until I finished my college education at Auburn University.
Upon completion of school, I joined the Navy to become a pilot, which I did until my retirement which followed a 23-year career flying with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) flying research missions for more than 20 years.
I was based at the Wallops Flight Facility, located at Wallops Island, Virginia, and in seeking a location to retire, the Jacksonville area was always on my "short list.”
What led you to get involved with Rotary?
I became a Rotarian with the expectation of joining a highly functional service organization.
Rotary is such an organization, structured to give its members the opportunity to give back globally, regionally, and to the local community.
While individuals may donate time and resources on their own, Rotary offers a place to impact far beyond what an individual can accomplish alone.
Come check us out for lunch on first and third Tuesdays, at 11:30 a.m. at Really Good Beer Stop, located at 295 Pine Lake Drive, Suite C103, Nocatee, Florida and visit our website at PonteVedraRotary.org.
What are some of the ways you have volunteered or gotten involved with to help the community?
Through our Rotary Club, we supported our local public-school students with financial support needs to allow them to attend field trips and provided needed supplies allowing financially disadvantaged students to enjoy the full elementary school experiences enjoyed by all students through our operation Save Our Students project.
Each year, we support local foundations with our financials as well as hands on support of Blessings in a Backpack, YMCA programs and K9s For Warriors.
We are expanding the support of Habitat for Humanity with club-specific build opportunities for our members to easily participate.
In addition to participating in the Eradicate Polio World Wide Rotary Program, our club supports the Rotary’s Water For Cambodia program, which provides clean water in remote regions of Cambodia through working with fellow Rotary clubs.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Serving others in a club setting allows us to do so much more than working alone.
Each year, our club honors several dedicated community service professionals within the local sheriff's office, fire departments, a health care worker, and a local educator.
Our Rotary Club partners with IQ Fiber, a local Internet company bringing together our corporate community supporting these community servants.
Multiple local corporate sponsors partner together by sponsoring our foundation partners demonstrating the power of cooperation to strengthen our Ponte Vedra community.
Do you have goals that you would like to accomplish in the role of Rotary president?
Goals include increasing our brand, while extending our reach into the community while growing the club with new members.
Are there any memories that stand out from over the years?
Hearing the local sheriff, fire officials, and board of education officials express their gratitude for our various projects is very gratifying.
What do you enjoy most about living in the North Florida area?
What we enjoy most is living the Ponte Vedra lifestyle in a community with big-time amenities, yet a small-town feel.
What do you or your family like to do in your free time?
Our family enjoys the Northeast Florida climate, which allows near all-year outdoor living to include the major attractions such as the TPC Sawgrass, Jags, St Augustine, and of course, the beach!
