I’m a father to five young children of diverse racial and national heritage, a husband to an incredibly intelligent, capable, and beautiful woman, a student and sometimes a teacher, a pilot and Air Force officer, and a budding social entrepreneur trying to build a non-profit organization. I have a firm faith in God and profound gratitude for the freedom and opportunity that my family enjoys in this country. I believe in searching for and striving to live according to truth. I believe we all have a duty to strive for the improvement of ourselves, our family, and our community and society. I’m the son of parents who worked hard to give me opportunities despite humble economic circumstances. I’m someone who was taught and inherited a craving for learning and independent thought. I believe in sharing my opinion while respecting others’. I’ve had the opportunity to see the world through a few different lenses that have undoubtedly shaped my views. I hope the following mini-bio will give you an idea of how I’ve formed my perspective on the world.

I spent the first half of my childhood in California, moving about 10 times in 8 years between apartments, town houses, and trailer parks. My parents worked hard in the construction industry so one day we could live in more desirable circumstances. I spent the next 10 years and graduated high school in a rural community in Idaho. There’s no doubt this time in my life cemented the part of my personality that cherishes conservative family values, hard work, and competitive sports. My family had no religion, but exercised personal morality and accountability with the kind of fidelity that most people of faith would have a profound respect for. My parents encouraged me to decide matters of religion of my own accord, and I became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), a decision with profound impacts on my life.

I entered the United State Air Force Academy to begin my military service and college education. In the midst of that time I served a two year mission for my church in Taiwan. Learning the Chinese language and culture was another major turning point in my life. It cultivated in me a desire to develop a greater understanding of the world around me. I finished my time at the Academy and was commissioned as an Air Force officer. In that time I was also selected as a Truman Scholar, which I mention not to tout achievements but because it served as another defining event in my life. The Truman Foundation selects students committed to public service and academic achievement and fosters an environment to support such service. It was through that experience that my desire to serve has grown beyond just my desire to be in the military. I have learned much about what it means to serve my community and hope to do so for my entire life.

After the Academy, I attended the Harvard Kennedy School where I earned a Masters of Public Policy. Much of what I share in this blog can be attributed to what I learned there. I was exposed to differing, thoughtful ideas from professors and classmates across the political spectrum and the world. I hope that I not only gained knowledge and understanding about some of our shared challenges, but an ability to analyze and think critically about these and future issues.

I then began my Air Force career in earnest, graduating pilot training and actively serving in our current wars through various assignments as a pilot and instructor pilot. I am now continuing both my education and my military service as I pursue a Ph.D. in Political Science and African Studies in preparation to teach at my alma mater.

Through a variety of opportunities I’ve traveled to a few dozen countries and nearly every state in the US. I’ve been exposed to many different ideas, views, and perspectives. I’ve lived in rural towns and crowded cities, among liberals and conservatives, and in countries where people see the world much differently than Americans do. I have tried my best to learn from these experiences and expand my understanding of the world. I hope to share and grow that understanding through this blog.

*Disclaimer: the views expressed on this blog are my own and not those of the Department of Defense, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or any other organization I am affiliated with.