I graduated from Grants, New Mexico High School and at the time I was a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico.  I graduated from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, NM with a degree in Petroleum Engineering.  I entered the United States Marine Corps on October 02, 1969.  After my basic training, I spent thirteen months in the jungles of South Vietnam as a reconnaissance (recon) platoon commander looking for enemy movement.  And, of course, engaged the enemy as was required. After returning from Vietnam, I again applied for and was accepted to Marine flight school.  I attended flight school in Pensacola, FL.  I spent several years flying various Marine aircraft until I receive my pilot wings in 1972.  My military occupational specialty was 7542-Pilot UMAQ/EA-6A (9 years, 6 months) and 7543-Pilot-UMAQ-EA-6B (5 years, 3 months).  After twenty plus years of military service, I separated from the Marine Corps on July 31, 1988.  After I retired from military service, I continued working, but joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Daniel D Fernandez, Post 9676.  I am proud to be a Lifetime Members of this VFW Post and to have been selected to serve as its Commander.  This Post is one of most active VFW Posts in New Mexico and I am proud of our many Community Service activities and Programs.