I want to believe more than I do believe, but I'm open to learning. In fact, I love learning about everything which is why I love teaching. Although my specific field is analytical inorganic chemistry which I teach at the university level, I love general chemistry which I teach at the high school advanced placement level. All knowledge is great. My degrees are in chemistry BS, MS, PHD, and history BA, plus an MBA (for no other reason than the army sent me to get it). I served for thirty years in the US Army, as an enlisted man from 1962 until 1971, and as an officer from 1971 until 1992. I was a ranger and armored cavalry scout as an enlisted man, and as an officer I commanded ranger, armored cavalry and mechanized infantry companies, a battalion and a brigade. My combat service was in Vietnam for three, tours, the 'visits' to Grenada and Panama, and Gulf War 1. I also did some interesting 'visits' as a ranger to other exotic places.When I retired teaching seemed like something I'd enjoy and indeed I have, finishing my graduate degrees in chemistry while doing this job.

I married an army officer in February 1972, who was also a Vietnam veteran and we have two, grown children, both with college degrees. Our daughter is an English teacher in Boston, and our son is an army sergeant. My wife retired after twenty-eight years service and is head of the retirement department in our town. My wife and children are Catholic which doesn't strain my Episcopalianism too much :).

I discovered Beliefnet quite by accident and then discovered that it offered me a wonderful opportunity to learn more about just about anything and everything. After a time as a regular member I applied to become a host and for the past years I've moderated some very interesting, and often contentious boards with what I hope is impartiality (though being far from perfect I know I've made some mistakes so mea culpa and all that). I am most thankful for the guidance, advice, and occasional well warranted criticism i have received from my BNET manager, Cheryl Fuller. She makes me better!

I hate war with all my heart and soul...BUT...I do believe there are things worth fighting for and that not confronting evil, and doing so violently at times, is inexcusable and if men and women of goodwill do not confront evil it will prosper. I regret having had to have killed but my conscience is clear because I believe it was necessary and given the same circumstances I would do it again.
 I thank God that I never lost any soldier under my command due to anything stupid on my part...but I still am deeply sorry for those I did not bring back safely and I will never forget them. May God have mercy on their souls, and comfort their families.

I am fortunate that my current career lets me teach, help, guide, advise, and encourage young men and women to be the best they can be and to make a positive contribution to our country. I pray that I will always do it well.

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