The assignment to Corpus Christi turned out to be a blessing due to a much smaller volume of air traffic than Whiting Field. I was on the margin as a flight student and the simpler course rules at Corpus Christi with only two outlying fields as opposed to a dozen or so at Whiting was to my benefit as a student. Upon completion of Primary, a selection process is conducted with the flight students indicating their preferences of either jets, helicopters or C-130's. A student must meet a minimum standard (based on flight grades) to select jets, but the needs of the Marine Corps rule the day. I was well below the minimum and happily selected helicopters.

I returned to NAS Whiting Field for basic Helicopter training in the TH-57 Jet Ranger. I completed the training in about six months (after surviving an elimination board). Selection for assignment was based on class rank (based on flight grades) and needs of the Marine Corps. Despite being ranked 9 out of 12, I was pleasantly surprised to receive my first choice in aircraft (CH-46) and location (west coast). I was assigned to HMT-301 at MCAS Tustin in November of 1989 and qualified as an H2P or co-pilot in April of 1990. I received orders to HMM-163 and witnessed a Class A mishap at 29 Palms during a CAX within the first week of being assigned to the squadron. Fortunately, no Marines were killed, but the aircraft was a total loss. It was a wake up call and a brutal welcoming to the FMF.

I deployed with 15th MEU aboard the USS Peleliu from May through November of 1991. I upgraded to Helicopter Aircraft Commander (HAC) during the deployment. Shortly after returning from the deployment, I received orders to 1st Marine Division for assignment as a Forward Air Controller. I attended TACP or Tactical Air Control Party School in Coronado and earned the secondary MOS as a FAC in February of 1992. I served as a FAC until December of 1992 with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines at Camp Pendleton.

I received PCS orders to 2nd Marine Air Wing for duty with HMM-266. I went through refresher training at HMT-204 at MCAS New River before reporting to HMM-266. I was involved as a whistleblower (see question 6) pertaining to the CO of HMM-266 resulting in my removal from the squadron in December of 1993.

I finished my time in the Marine Corps with HMM-264 and had the privilege of working for an outstanding CO, LtCol Anthony Zell. I received an Honorable Discharge in September of 1994.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT, PEACEKEEPING OR HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.

I participated in "Operation Fiery Vigil" as part of 15th MEU. Mount Pinatubo erupted and spewed ash though out the area. The USS Peleliu docked at Subic Bay and most of the Marines from the Ground Combat Element disembarked. Monsoon rains had followed the eruption adding to the damage.

We had one night of liberty in Olangapo City. About half of the businesses were closed as the only power available was through generators. We ended up in a bar that was on the second floor of the building. After a few hours, the structure started to sway on it's foundation. It felt similar to earthquakes I had experienced in California. The locals evacuated the place in about fifteen seconds. In our stupor, we remained in the bar before someone said it might be a good idea to get the hell out of there. The tremor was an aftershock from the volcano eruption and I didn't have a lot of confidence in the building code in the PI. The prospect of getting killed on deployment in the collapse of a ramshackle bar and surrounded by empty beer bottles sobered us quickly.

We were tasked with flying American military dependents from the Peleliu to an airfield at Cebu.The ship evacuated families from Clark Air Force Base and Subic Bay Naval Station before getting underway. The squadron was responsible for flying the families by helicopter to Cebu. Many of their homes had been destroyed and they carried whatever possessions they could salvage. The Marines established a security detail at the airfield. The Air Force was responsible for processing the dependents upon their arrival and placing them onto a manifest for a flight back to the United States. The Air Force personnel were staying at hotels in town.

The Marines worked twenty hour days and slept on the ground in sleeping bags while the Air Force departed for the comfort of a hotel room at the end of the workday. This resulted in frustration from the Marines. Someone posted a sign that read "The United States Marine Corps welcomes you to Cebu". An Air Force Major took offense and declared that "this is an Air Force operation" and wanted the sign changed. A Marine Infantry First Lieutenant added the words "Air Force" in ball point pen that was barely noticeable and posted a guard on the sign.

At the end of the operation, the Air Force abandoned about a hundred cots at Cebu which the Marines loaded up on helicopters and flew back to the Peleliu, "Gear adrift is a gift". This was the largest evacuation since "Frequent Wind" at Saigon. We thought the Humanitarian Service Medal would have been awarded, but apparently the operation didn't meet the criteria.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?

There was a photo at MATSG (Marine Aviation Training Support Group) in Pensacola showing the Quantico "Crossroads of the Corps" sign in the rear view mirror of a vehicle. I think it was a symbol to flight students that the misery of OCS and TBS were in the past and the focus had shifted to learning the profession of Naval Aviation. I spent the summers of 1985, 1986 in

Quantico as an Officer Candidate, six months as a Second Lieutenant at The Basic School in 1987 and four months at the FBI Academy in 1996 as a New Agent in training.

I have been back to Quantico numerous times throughout my FBI career for in-services. My time in Quantico was nearly cut short as a new Officer Candidate following a serious error in judgement. I attended PLC Jr. at Camp Upshur in the summer of 1985. I was not a model candidate, but managed to keep a relatively low profile, avoid injury and graduate somewhere in the middle of the pack.

I had a close call that could have resulted in removal from training that occurred on a weekend liberty. A squad-mate, Joe (and prior enlisted Marine) and I headed to Georgetown after a Saturday morning personnel inspection. The company had been granted a 28 hour liberty pass. We were secured from training at about 1300 hours on a Saturday. Liberty expired at 1700 hours on Sunday.

We reserved a room at the Key Bridge Marriott. We purchased a twelve pack of beer and a pizza after doing laundry. Our plan was to take a nap before heading out to the bar. By the time we woke up, it was around 10:00 p.m. We slept much longer than planned due to substantial sleep deficit. At this point, it would have been prudent to call it a night, but we were determined to visit some gin mills in Georgetown. We ended up at a packed bar called the Library. In short order, Joe was on the dance floor. I remained near the bar holding two beers. About halfway through my beer, a patron behind me spilled his drink on my back. Normally, this would not have bothered me as this is one of the hazards of drinking in a crowded bar.

However, the guy who spilled the drink did not apologize and acted belligerent. He quickly surmised that I was alone and was not impressed by my high and tight haircut. He was with a group of friends and fueled by alcohol which no doubt emboldened his surliness. I was in a foul mood and my own judgement was clouded by alcohol and Marine training.

I acted aggressively and with little hesitation. The guy was small in stature and about my height. I flung the two plastic cups of ice cold draft beer into his eyes. He was temporarily blinded and I delivered a head butt. He dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes. At this point, I was in a rage and crouched down with the intention of pummeling his face with multiple jabs. Before I could deliver the first punch, everything went black.

The next thing I remembered was being outside the bar with the front of my shirt covered in blood. A police officer came over to investigate and it dawned on me that I might be going to jail. My adversary was nowhere to be found. Fortunately, two Navy guys who I had never seen before came over and told the officer that I was not the aggressor and had been attacked. The officer suggested I go to the Emergency Room as it was apparent that I was going to need stitches. Joe emerged from the bar wondering what happened. I filled him in and apologized for ruining his night. The sailors drove me to the hospital where I was stitched up and sent on my way.

This incident was a serious lapse in judgement on my part and could have easily gotten me tossed from OCS. Luck was on my side that night as I avoided arrest (thanks in large part to the two sailors) and my injury could have been much worse. I took a kick to the jaw that I never saw coming and ended up with a few stitches instead of a broken jaw.

The following week during a break on a conditioning hike or "hump", the Corpsman asked about my swollen lip with stitches. I told him I had fallen on liberty and struck a light pole with my face. He wasn't buying my story but figured it must not have been too bad otherwise I would have been gone. A few weeks after I returned home, the bill from my ER visit arrived at my parents home. I had some explaining to do as I had not shared the story of the bar fight with my parents. They were not pleased with my lack of impulse control and probably concluded that I might be better suited for the Marines than law school.

I'll be eternally grateful to those two sailors who had my back that night.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?

While serving as a Forward Air Controller with 1st Battalion 9th Marines, I was deployed to Compton, California in the aftermath of the Rodney King riots. It was surreal to see Marines involved in civilian law enforcement. The cops loved having the Marines around.

I spent most of my time in the command post as a watch officer, but I heard about some of the incidents involving Marines backing up the police. For example, there was a foot pursuit of a robbery suspect at night and one of the Marines deployed a white star cluster round from his 203. The cops (and suspect) were undoubtedly surprised by the sudden illumination which led to the prompt capture of the suspect.

The cops laughed about that and how quiet the streets had become since the Marines deployed to Compton. The operation was quickly terminated after about four or five days when it became evident that the riots were over and there may be an issue regarding the Posse Comitatus statute.

WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER? IF YOU RECEIVED ANY MEDALS FOR VALOR OR OTHER SIGNIFICANT AWARDS, PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW THESE WERE EARNED.

I did not receive any individual awards other than an end of tour Certificate of Commendation from 1st Battalion 9th Marines as a FAC. I was a whistle blower before there were any whistle blower protection laws. I take pride in my role in exposing a reckless squadron CO who was unnecessarily placing the lives of Marines at risk.

I received PCS orders to MAG 26 in December of 1992. Following the completion of refresher training in HMT-204, I was assigned to HMM-266 in February of 1993. The squadron had a change of command about a month later. I did not know the reputation of the incoming CO, but it was evident after a few months that he was unfit for command.

For example, he was implementing non-standard formation procedures contrary to the CH-46E ASH manual and Natops. He ruled by threats and intimidation. I was the co-pilot for a frag to Little Creek for a helo-casting training operation. The plan was to fly back to New River on NVGs at the completion of the frag.

The weather deteriorated to IFR and a line of embedded thunderstorms was between Norfolk and New River. The HAC decided to scrap the night flight and RTB the next day. The CO was angry with the decision and attempted to bully the HAC into flying back despite the poor weather. The HAC refused and was subsequently transferred to HMT-204 for his defiance. The HAC was highly regarded and held numerous designations including, WTI, Section Leader, Division Leader, Functional Check Pilot, Mission Commander and Night Systems Instructor.

There were many other examples of safety violations. The command climate was so bad that there was a rumor that there was a standing "Dead Pool" as to when HMM-266 would have a Class A mishap. I wrote an Anonymous letter to the Naval Safety Center in Norfolk documenting the environment. I was meticulous in providing specific details so the letter would not be disregarded as a rant by a malcontent. I was under no illusion that the CO would be relieved, but my conscience would not allow me to be silent. An investigation was initiated by 2nd Marine Air Wing. I disclosed my role as the author of the Anonymous letter to the MAG 26 Operations Officer. The retribution was swift as I was booted out of the squadron with a less than stellar fitness report. This effectively ended my career in the Marine Corps.

The CO managed to hang on to his job. I was told this was because the investigation ended within a month of the squadron deploying on the USS Inchon with the 24th MEU. Replacing the CO at that point was considered too disruptive. Thankfully, the squadron completed the deployment without any mishaps and all of the Marines returned home. The CO was finished as he was passed over for promotion to Colonel and retired as a LtCol.

I have no bitterness and life is too short for regrets. I would do it again and learned a valuable lesson about "keeping your honor clean".

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE ONE(S) MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?

Earning Naval Aviator wings was the most meaningful. Flight school was challenging for me and I survived an elimination board. Flight students used to refer to the summer service "C" uniform as the "penalty suit." When a flight student was wearing the "C" uniform(or Navy khakis), he was either the Squadron Duty Officer for the day or was routing a pink slip after failing a flight. It was a humbling experience for me, but the struggles made the successful completion of flight school more satisfying.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?

My OSO, Captain Miles was a positive influence by encouraging me to not give up on an aviation option. He also visited Camp Upshur about half way through the OCS training in June of 1985. He boosted the morale of the candidates who processed through the Chicago OSO office.I remember him trying to salvage one of the candidates who was struggling. He tried to get several of us to help this candidate overcome his deficiencies to complete the training. The guy was a lost cause who did not want to be there and was booted out after the first board.

Lieutenant Colonel Lou Silva was the CO of 1st Battalion 9th Marines and entrusted me with a command billet of H & S Company. That billet was normally assigned to an infantry officer, but due to rotations and a shortage of officers, I held the billet long enough to receive an observed fitness report. It was not common for a company grade aviator to have command time in those days.

First Sergeant Clifford Lange kept me out of trouble and made my job relatively easy. He handled the problems and taught me a great deal about leadership.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Zell was the CO of HMM-264. I will always be grateful to LtCol Zell for granting me orders to HMM-264 after flying as an augment pilot. I was assigned to a desk job at MAG-26 and earned the trust of LtCol Zell during a CAX in early 1994. The opportunity to finish my remaining time in the Marine Corps in a squadron as opposed to a staff job was outstanding and left me with many fine memories.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?

While assigned to MCAS New River, I volunteered to fly as co-pilot as part of a flight of three to Greenwich, Connecticut for a static display over the Fourth of July weekend in 1993. The flight consisted of two CH-46's and one AH-1W Cobra. We flew around Greenwich at about 200' AGL while attempting to get oriented and locate Greenwich High School. There were some Marine reservists at the high school who deployed smoke grenades to locate our LZ.

We conducted a few low passes for the crowd that had gathered before landing and shutting down.

Shortly after securing the aircraft, we were greeted by the Greenwich Police Chief who informed us that his department had been flooded with 911 calls after hearing the helicopters. Fortunately, the Chief had a good sense of humor and welcomed us to Greenwich.

We hadn't considered the reaction as we were used to flying around Jacksonville, NC at low altitude. Greenwich is one of the wealthiest communities in the country and a stark contrast to the area around Camp Lejuene. They weren't used to the "sound of freedom."

We had a great weekend and insured our departure flight was at a higher altitude.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?

I pursued a career in law enforcement. I worked as a police officer in Mundelein, Illinois for 15 months before being hired as an FBI Agent in 1996. I was hired with two other former Marines and we attended the State Police Academy together. The experience in the Marine Corps

was crucial to my hiring and provided me with the skills to perform the job.

I have enjoyed my career as an FBI Special Agent and have many fond memories. I was privileged to serve as the case agent for the Medal of Honor Convention in 2007 in Green Bay. That experience was the highlight of my career.

I served ten years on the Milwaukee FBI SWAT team and deployed in support of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. I've been involved with the FBI detail for the Green Bay Packers and deployed to Iraq in 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to give back by assisting the local Marine Corps recruiters. I was honored to give the remarks on three occasions to the Family Night dinner attended by poolees and their families prior to shipping to boot camp.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?

I am a member of the VFW and American Legion. Although I'm not active in the local Post, I enjoy reading the magazines and support the efforts of these organizations on Capitol Hill on behalf of veterans.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?

I never take the freedoms we enjoy in the United States for granted. We live in the greatest country on earth because of the sacrifices made by warriors throughout our history.

I also learned to be accountable for my actions and make no excuses for mistakes. Accept responsibility for my

decisions even if it turns out poorly, i.e. "good initiative, poor judgement." Learn from experience and don't repeat the same mistake or try to learn from the mistakes of others.

I've been privileged to take an oath to the Constitution twice (once as a Marine and once as an FBI Agent). Serving in the Marine Corps influenced my decision to go into law enforcement and deploy to Iraq with the FBI in 2008. Many veterans lamented the fact that they were not in a position to pursue the barbarians behind the 9/11 attacks. I'm grateful that I was able to contribute a small portion to the effort as an FBI Agent.

I've also had the distinct pleasure of investigating several Stolen Valor cases involving posers claiming combat decorations that they never earned. That is a federal violation and, as a veteran I take that offense seriously. It provides a great deal of professional satisfaction to expose a phony. I've been fortunate to have two cases prosecuted for their crimes.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?

A new officer needs to listen to the SNCO's and NCO's. Take care of the mission first, the Marines second and your career last. I saw too many officers adopt a "Career over Country" mentality.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

I enjoy reading the reflections of Marines. It gives me a sense of pride to be associated with the Marine Corps. Reading about the fallen Marines reinforces the notion that freedom isn't free.