I joined VFW Post #12074 in April 2021, and am now a life member.  I am also a life member of American Legion Post #1 "Yanks Down Under” in Sydney, the Returned Services League of Australia, and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.

Military assignments/attachments:

·        Basic Training, Fort Polk, LA
   Primary Flight School, Fort Wolters, TX
   Advanced Flight School, Fort Rucker, AL
   1^st Cavalry Division, III Corps, Republic of Vietnam
   US Army Infantry Center, Fort Benning, GA
   161 Recce Squadron, Australian Defense Force; Holsworthy, NSW, Australia

After completion of the Army Warrant Officer Flight Training Program I was assigned to the 229^th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the 1^st Cavalry Division in Tay Ninh, RVN – flying UH-1H "Hueys”.  My unit was in the middle of the Cambodian Incursion in May-June, 1970.  I was given a direct commission (Infantry Branch), and I was appointed Air Mission Commander.

After DEROS, I completed Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning and was assigned as a Brigade Legal Officer and Special Courts-Martial prosecutor. During this time frame I married an Australian girl I had met on R&R.  I was released from active duty in mid-1972.

Military awards included:

·        Distinguished Flying Cross
   Bronze Star w. OLC
   Purple Heart
   Air Medal w. 40 device
   Army Commendation Medal w. 2 OLC

My wife and I moved to Australia in late 1972 and I enrolled at Sydney University Law School.  I was attached part-time with an active Australian Army helicopter squadron for IRR training and to retain aviation currency.  I also obtained Australian commercial pilot licenses for airplanes and helicopters.  After graduation in 1977, I was admitted to the Bar of the NSW Supreme Court.  Soon after, I returned to flying full time.

I spent most of the next 40 years flying search, rescue and medivac operations in eastern Australia – including 3 years with the NSW Police Aviation Support Branch. I practised aviation law part-time for 10 years during that period.  I also completed a Master of Laws Degree.  My wife and I raised three children to adulthood.  Sadly, we split about 15 years ago and I moved from NSW to Queensland.

When I stopped flying for the emergency services in 2019, I had accrued about 12,000 accident-free, violation-free hours and held American and Australian Air Transport Pilot Certificates with Instrument, Instructor and NVG Ratings.

Civil Awards included:

·        Helicopter Association International "Pilot of the Year” 2000
   Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award 1999
   Royal Humane Society of NSW "Silver Medal”
   Australian Government "Group Citation for Bravery”
   US FAA "Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award”

I recently obtained a license to practice law in Queensland.  I am also a consultant in heliport design and development.