All my life, I have been blessed beyond imagination. My journey—from cadet to combat pilot, lawyer, judge, and teacher—has been shaped by extraordinary people and opportunities.
I was raised in a loving family by parents who gave me everything they could and never asked for anything in return. I was educated by dedicated teachers and coaches, from kindergarten through law school, who invested in my success. In high school, I met Gale, the love of my life, who has shared my journey ever since—steadfast and supportive through every trial and triumph. Together, we raised two sons who are outstanding lawyers and even better human beings, and who are raising the next amazing generation.
At West Point, I was challenged and motivated by upperclassmen, classmates, and teammates who helped me make the most of my cadet experience and forged friendships that have lasted a lifetime. I was privileged to lead soldiers in the Army, both in peace and in combat, and to fly helicopters in Vietnam alongside brave fellow pilots who taught me lifesaving skills and the true meaning of service and resilience. When I was shot down behind enemy lines, it was those same pilots—my brothers—who came for me and my copilot and brought us home.
After the Army, I built a career as a trial lawyer, representing clients through their hardest times, alongside my best friend and West Point roommate, Jon Anderson. Later, I was honored to serve as a Florida Circuit Judge, presiding over civil, criminal, and family cases—another opportunity to contribute to justice and my community. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to give back through writing, speaking, and teaching judges and lawyers about law, technology, and professionalism.
Away from work, Gale and I have shared a passion for training retrievers, adding four-legged family members who brought us joy, solace, and adventure. Alongside my law partner Jon, I also became deeply immersed in fly fishing—a pursuit that has given me friendships, the chance to serve disabled veterans through Project Healing Waters, opportunities to educate youth and support environmental conservation, and cherished quiet moments with our children and grandchildren.
Above all, I’ve been blessed with Gale’s unwavering support as we moved from Florida’s waterways to Georgia’s trout streams, back to a Florida barrier island only reachable by boat, and now, perhaps finally, to Clemson, South Carolina, where we live near one of our sons and his family.