America is in a precarious position. Our citizens are sharply divided over many key issues. If we don’t take significant actions to unify soon, I believe America could come to an end. The path to unification is through our children. Passing standardized tests to achieve a diploma then wishing them well is not sufficient. We must do much better in preparing them for success after graduation. This applies across the nation as well as right here in Okaloosa County.

I’ve been given the calling, vision, experience, strength, and moral courage to do my part to help our children, and thereby our nation, as your AMERICA FIRST candidate for School Board. I’m a Believer, husband, father, grandfather, Air Force Colonel (retired), community volunteer, and former substitute teacher. I have “skin in the game” with two children and two grandchildren as OCSD graduates. I currently have two more grandkids presently in our district. As a sub teacher, I’ve had an inside look at our schools and clearly see the struggles our kids, teachers, and support staff endure.

I’m acting upon my calling to come out of retirement and take on this assignment with great passion and tenacity. I have zero interest in higher office: The School Board is my place to serve. I’ll make a difference, serve my community, and through that, continue to serve my country. To show my commitment, my entire salary will be used annually to buy student supplies. “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” is not just a bumper sticker to me; I will live it. I promise.

To be sure, many good things are happening in the Okaloosa County School District, but other attractive educational options are available for parents to choose…and they are increasingly choosing those options. I want the OCSD to become an easy choice for parents to choose! To do that, we cannot accept status quo operations any longer.