Q: Intro Paragraph- Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m just your average Husband and Father who happens to be fighting a debilitating illness. I think what makes me unique is that I am blessed with very helpful and loving friends and family. I think if anyone ever wrote a book about me, it would be about how so many people went out of their way to help me overcome seemingly impossible obstacles throughout my whole life.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Caitlin is an absolute badass. She is seriously good at everything she does. Caitlin has a degree in graphic design and is currently studying horticulture at Temple University. She is also training for a marathon, because why not? My oldest son JP is in 5th grade and wants to be an engineer. He likes baseball and football, but mostly as a social function where he gets to hang out with the guys. Kip is my middle son, and he is in 3rd grade. For Kip, sports are a way of life. He wants to be a professional football player. My youngest son Pax is in kindergarten. He thinks every waking moment should be a party. His dream is to one day be a Ninja. In many ways, he already is.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I used to be a Naval Officer and did a bunch of different things in the Navy. I got to move around and travel a lot. Now I am a stay-at-home Dad.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love hearing my kids tell me about their day. I love hearing about what they find important. I also get to see them grow and develop and make friends. It’s awesome.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Manny’s Deli and Johnny Apples. El Barrio has the best wings I have ever tasted.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved here at the beginning of 2014, so almost nine years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tracey Kent. She has the most hilarious stories and a heart of gold. Through her job teaching and being active in so many things, she knows absolutely everyone. You can’t help but smile and laugh when Tracey is around.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Holland Pennsylvania. I am happiest right where I am.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Big Lebowski. True Detective Season one
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Spend a little time outside with no distractions. Try to go as long as you can without moving or making a sound. You will learn a lot about yourself.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to see how my boys turn out as adults.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Bob Dylan
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to sit down with Patrick Mahomes at Manny’s Deli. He seems like he would be fun to talk to. I also know that he’s going to break all of Tom Brady’s records, so it would be fun to know that I had lunch with the future GOAT.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how much everyone cares about each other. When small or big challenges face a family, the community comes together to support them. Everything from sports injuries to flooded basements make people want to drop what they are doing and want to help out.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself on a speaking tour explaining how I was healed from ALS by the Grace of God.
Q: What is something interesting that even your friends of family may not know about you?
I have an almost fanatical interest in covered bridges. I could look at them, or even pictures of them, all day.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November, Christmas, July 4th.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Holland Elementary School
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Jet fuel and steak
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Friends, family, community