I was born and raised in Rock Island. After graduating from Alleman High School in 1966, I joined the U.S. Army, where I attended infantry officer candidate school.

At age 21, as a Green Beret, I was the youngest captain to command combat troops during the Vietnam War. For my service, I was awarded two silver stars, three purple hearts and five bronze stars.

Following my military service, I returned home and completed my education at Blackhawk College and Augustana College. Following graduation from Augustana, I spent more than 25 years as a special agent in the U.S. Secret Service, where I protected our nation’s presidents, visiting dignitaries, and our monetary system.