Education- Graduate of Stromsburg High School, 1980; University of Nebraska-Lincoln (B.S. in journalism), 1985 (M.S. in education administration) and 1998.

Military service- Army National Guard, 1980-2016- infantry officer and armor officer.

Family- Married to Janet; five children- Emilee, Nick, Hailey, Derek and Hannah.

Occupation- Retired teacher, coach and Nebraska National Guard member.

Member- St. Michael's Catholic Church; Knights of Columbus.

Honors and awards- 2024 Guy Mytty Wrestling Coach of the Year; 2023 inductee, Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame; 2005 Knights of Columbus Family of the Year; 2003 Knights of Columbus Teacher of the Year; Adams Central Tireless Teacher Award (twice); Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Army Meritorious Unit Commendation; NATO Medal; Army Commendation Medal (2); Army Achievement Medal (3); Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (8); National Defense Service Medal (2); Korean Defense Ribbon; Katrina Humanitarian Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2); NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2); Army Service Ribbon; Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (3); Nebraska National Guard Individual Achievement Medal (6); Nebraska National Guard Emergency Service Medal; Nebraska National Guard Service Medal.