Born in the Navy town of San Diego, I was on the move quite often/every three years, so I developed a talent for making new friends.

It was while serving on active duty in the US NAVY I realized the wide spread love and acceptance I could have for the world. Even in a religious setting like a Chaplain’s Office, we were taught to be all things to all people and as diverse as we could be.

The Navy prides itself on accepting and integrating other cultures into its ranks. No matter your nationality, you are sailor as much as the other person. It was that attitude about diversity that helped me work with the Hispanic community while I continued on into government service as a USDA/FSIS food inspector. I retired in 2011 from government service.

Since then I have relocated to a very diverse community here in Saint Cloud. I am impressed by the number of locals who have welcomed these immigrants. Yes, there have been issues and I’ve learned from those issues. Look forward to a great time in learning to be “all things to all people”.