biography
I was born in Sacramento, California to a World War Two Navy veteran (#/42-11/45) and a mother, who during World War Two worked as an aircraft mechanic at McClellan AFB. I was born 0n 10 May 1947 at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento. I attended Coloma Elementary School, Kit Carson Junior High School, and Hiram W. Johnson Senior high School, graduating in June of 1966.
I then attended Sacramento city college, where I majored in engineering and Mathematics. I was also working full-time on the graveyard shift at the U.S. Post Office on royal Oaks Drive in Sacramento. In October of 1967 I received my draft notice for induction in the U.S. Army, with a reporting date of November 1967. I was given an extension to finish my current semester and was given a new reporting date of 8 February 1968.
I was inducted into the U.S. Army at the Oakland, CA induction station on 8 February 1968. I was then flown to Fort Lewis (North Fort), Washington where I attended both Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (Infantry). I immediately attended Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia in June of 1968. I graduated with my qualified jump wings and was transferred to the Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 505th Airborne Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In December of 1968 I was sent home on leave, with orders to report to Fort Lewis for transportation to Vietnam. At the time I was a Specialist 4 on airborne Status.
I was transported to Vietnam where I was assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate). I was assigned to the 4th squad of the 4th platoon. We were first assigned to Bam Me Thuoi and then moved to Landing Zone Uplift, west of Qui Nhon. We spent most of our missions working the coastal region of Bin Dihn Province and the Central Highlands of Pleiku, Doc To, and the Laotian-Cambodian border. We were then moved in support of the 101st Airborne Division to Camp Eagle and worked in the A Shau Valley for approximately one to two months. I left Vietnam in January 1970 after being promoted to Sergeant (SGT E-5) and earning my CIB (Combat Infantry Badge). I served as the company and battalion RTO, a squad member of 4th squad, the M-79 Grenadier, and Squad Leader of 4th squad.
After returning home to Sacramento on the 15 January 1970, I returned to Sacramento City College to continue my engineering studies. While attending SCC I met my wife, Mary Rachel Bunting, and we married on the 19th of December 1970 at the LDS Temple in Oakland California. We have been married nearly 53 years, raised six children, have 23 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.
I became a Police Officer with the Sacramento Police Department in August of 1971 where I worked until May of 1985. I was forced into retirement due to. a knee injury that ultimately required a knee replacement. I continued my law enforcement career with the State of California as a sworn Senior Special investigator working with numerous District Attorneys about the state. I retired in 1999 and completed by California Teaching Credential, teaching middle and high school math for approximately 15 years.
After returning from Vietnam I was in the Inactive Guard as part of my six year commitment. In May of 1975 I joined the California National guard and was assigned to the 270th MP Company of the 49th MP Brigade. I was assigned as a squad leader and later promoted to SSG (E-6). In 1979 I attended OCS at fort Benning, Georgia and was later commissioned as a 2md Lieutenant in the California National Guard. I served as a platoon leader, detachment commander, and company commander. I also served as a chemical, infantry, and communication officer. I retired as a Major, serving as the Chemical Officer for the 49th MP Brigade. I had served previously with the 184th Infantry Brigade, 40th Infantry Division before being offered the position as Brigade Chemical Officer.
