I grew up in North Minneapolis, MN with my parents and two brothers. During my years at North High, I played baseball, football, basketball, and boxed. I was offered a contract to play outfield for the Chicago Cubs minor league team for $400 a month in 1962.

However, I really wanted to play football for the Minnesota Gophers. In the spring of 1964, I drew my football equipment for spring practice on Friday. Saturday night a life-changing moment happened: I was stabbed in the liver stopping a sexual assault of a 15-year old girl.

My career in sports was over with this injury. Bored with school at the University of Minnesota, in the fall quarter of 1965, I dropped out. I upped my draft number and went into the Army for basic training, airborne infantry training, then the 1st Air Calvary in Vietnam. I was wounded in action in November 1966 and hospitalized for 30 days. I completed my tour in July 1967.

In 1981, I wrote Thumbs Up, a true story about my year as an infantry rifleman. It received positive reviews from five continents. Many years later, I wrote Call Me Speed – a book of fiction, loosely based on my experiences while in Vietnam. The main character, Speed, is a riot and all three of the main characters are bad asses in their own way.

I was a past commander of the Minneapolis Fire and Police Post of the American Legion. I am a two-time member of the executive board of the 5th District of the American Legion.

I am also a casual poker player. I made it to the final table of the World Series of Poker (Super Seniors) in Las Vegas the first time I tried. Last year, I came in at 140th place. I need to work on my game!

I have three grown children and four grandkids. I continue to enjoy life in Minnesota.