Hometown: St. Robert, MO

Rank / Branch of Service: 2Lt now, 1Lt on September 8 2009, Army

High School Attended:  Waynesville High School, Waynesville MO

College Attended: BA (Liberal Arts) from Conception Seminary College and an M.A.  from Saint Louis University

Hobbies:  Reading (mostly History), working out (Cross-fit), spending entirely too much time keeping up with the ins and outs of Notre Dame Football and lamenting the current political situation (I do live in DC!)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
When was the first time you thought of priesthood?  The Lord first placed the call to the priesthood in my heart during Middle School.
                                                                               
Who influenced or inspired you? I have been blessed with numerous influential and inspirational people in my life. Among them are my parents, my twin brother and my sister; all for their steadfast support, advice and unconditional love.  In my high school years I was heavily influenced by my friendship with CH (Col) Vince Inghilterra who stationed at Fort Leonard Wood at the time.    
                                      
What would people be surprised to know about you?  Well, I have an identical twin brother (he’s a Captain in the USAF and flies KC-135’s). I have worked as a house sitter and chauffer. I also made an underappreciated hip-hop album while living in Atlanta in 2004 (I guess the world just wasn’t ready).

What is your favorite scripture passage? This one changes regularly. Right now I’d select Matthew 11: 28-29: (28) "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.                  

How did you come to know Jesus?  Through my family, CCD classes, regular attendance at Mass as well as the sacrament of confession. Also, at various times in my life I have felt the overpowering sense of the Holy Spirit which has strengthened both my personal vocation and my relationship with Christ and His Church.                                                                                                                                                                         
What were some of the Spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and share your relationship with Christ and His Church? I am always profoundly affected by ministry, whether in a hospital setting, the Mass, or in a classroom. That is where the rubber hits the road for me, and where I can see the Holy Spirit at work in my life. I also have a strong devotion to Our Lady and pray the rosary daily. It is a beautiful way to meditate on the life of Christ while storming the gates of heaven with prayers.

What influence did Pope John Paul II have on your vocation? He seemed to have a strong sense of Catholic identity which was readily visible. This was helpful to me at a time when I was attempting to form my own identity in a culture which is not interested in making it an easy endeavor.  He was a source of pride and encouragement. The only time my twin brother and I were ever able to skip a day of classes was the occasion of JP II’s visit to St. Louis in 1999. It was an amazing road trip!   
                                                                                                                                                            
What was your background before the Seminary? I entered seminary right out of High School, but in between my undergraduate seminary and my graduate seminary I spent some time in Florida as a substitute teacher, worked in the music business in Atlanta and earned an M.A. in Historical Theology from Saint Louis University.                                                                                                                                                                               
What was the last book you read?  The Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson.

What is your favorite spiritual book?  This might not be traditionally regarded as a ‘spiritual book’ per se, but I highly recommend Priests for the Third Millennium by now Archbishop of NYC Timothy Dolan for anyone considering a priestly vocation.

Who is a hero to you?  Emil Kapaun, Catholic priest and Army Chaplain. His cause for canonization was opened in 2008.