houston proud

I was born and raised in east Houston in a little neighborhood called El Dorado, between the Denver Harbor and North Shore communities. It all started when grandpa Alfred returned from the Korean War and settled in the lush wooded area to raise a family. In time, the working-class community grew the area from gravel roads to major industrial corridors. From the Port, the oil & gas companies, and the 18-wheelers that fill our roadways - the city is supported and thrives on the labor and infrastructure from east Houston to this day.

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My mother, Teresa, was a single parent. We found ourselves living in the converted garage of my grandparent's home. I didn't mind. Life was fun. The neighborhood was filled with kids, and we played until the sun went down. My grandmother, Lillian, worked at the church down the street, so if I wasn't in school, playing, or at home... I was at the church assisting in some way. My mother learned about St. Thomas High School in the River Oaks area. She couldn't afford the tuition of this private college-prep institution, but that didn't keep her from knocking on their door. With a bit of work and tuition assistance, I graduated from STH in 1994. 

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After graduating high school, I joined the U.S. Army for two reasons. To be like my grandfather who demonstrated a great love for America and to pay for college. I served as a Finance Clerk and then a Radio Operator. After returning from active duty, I worked at AT&T (formerly SW Bell) and went to UH-D at night. Once I obtained my MBA, I was commissioned as a military officer (Army Reserve) in 2010, Quartermaster (Logistics) Branch. 

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My wife Tammy and I are raising two extraordinary young ladies, Adalia and Amelia. We live in First Ward, not too far from STH. Our home was built in 1901 and is a work in progress. A proud resident of the First Ward neighborhood before it became popular and cool.

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So what is my goal? To give back, be a part of the solution, and to help others. Keep our city and nation safe. And teach my daughters that their future success is rooted in the fabric of Houston.