While stationed at NETWARCOM, I was selected and commissioned as Chief Warrant Officer. My commissioned tours included USS Mesa Verde (Norfolk, VA) as the Training Officer, NIOC Norfolk as a Detachment OIC, Commander Undersea Surveillance (Dam Neck, VA) as Certifications Officer/Operations Officer, and FACSFAC VACAPES (Virginia Beach) as OI Division Officer. After 30 years, I retired on November 30, 2019, as a CWO4 OPTEC.

Throughout my career, I was challenged a lot, which gave me skills that truly helped me succeed not only in the military but in life. Being an Operations Specialist, I was in a field that was very broad in the sense that we were involved in all of the different Warfare Areas (Surface, Air, Subsurface, Amphibious Operations, etc.). A big part of my job was security and protection of our assets, in which, as a civilian, I work as the Command Security Officer and N6 Department Head at FACSFAC VACAPES. With this job, I love the fact that I can still influence the young sailors, provide them guidance, and watch them grow in the military.

I am married, and my wife and I have five children (unfortunately, one son passed away in 2022). We also have five wonderful grandchildren, whom we love spending time with. I was diagnosed with CKD around 2007 and went on dialysis in 2023. I have been blessed to be able to do a lot of things that I used to before kidney failure (though I do limit what I do so that I don’t overexert myself). I still love working on cars and going fishing whenever I can.

Will you join DOVE in our mission to find a kidney for Alton? Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!