My Education

A Diverse and Challenging History

High School in Frankfurt, Germany

I did the first three years of my high-school education in Germany, where my father was stationed as an officer in the Army. I went to Frankfurt American High School during it's final years before it was shut down due to force reductions in Germany. I took Advanced Band, Computer Music Composition, 2 years of German, Photography, and Honors Chemistry among other classes. 

Senior High School Year in Virginia

My final high school year was at Hylton High School in Woodbridge, Virginia. I had achieved enough credits prior to my senior year that I had insufficient classes to fill a day. So rather than simply have a half-day of school, I took more electives including Astronomy, TV Productions, Advanced band, and another year of German. I graduated with a diploma in 1996.

US Army Basic Training

I joined the US Army at the age of 17 and went to Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I learned to have confidence in myself, work as a team, follow complex instructions, think clearly under pressure, and vastly improved my physical strength and health. I achieved the highest proficiency in firearms marksmanship (Expert). This was a particularly rewarding experience. It changed my self perception dramatically. 

US Army Advanced Technical Training

My particular MOS required several more months of in-depth, specific training. I was to become a "Multi-channel Transmission Systems Operator." This job included the tasks of maintaining and operating encrypted mobile radio transmission units. The GTE Resident Academy at Fort Gordon, Georgia provided excellent training and I graduated with a diploma in 1996. I was then deployed for duty to South Korea near the DMZ. 

ASE P2 Certification

As part of the management training program for Genuine Parts Company (NAPA Auto Parts), I obtained my ASE certification in automotive parts. This was a particularly difficult certification. I now know automotive parts and systems quite well, including how to diagnose common mechanical faults. As a result of this education, I do most of my vehicle's automotive services myself. I have done radiator, water pump, battery, spark plugs/wires, and headlight replacements as well as brake jobs and oil changes on a number of vehicles. I have also installed custom stereos in several vehicles. 

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Confer Date: 8/10/2018
Honors: Cum Laude

AAS - Information Systems Technology

I attended college as a full time student, achieving my associate degree in information systems technology while working full time as a security guard on the night shift. Northern Virginia Community College allowed me to complete the program entirely online, a task that required extreme organization, discipline, and commitment. I neither failed nor dropped any classes, and graduated with honors in 2018. Below is a link to download the list of classes I completed for my degree program.