Of all things one can say of him, it is that he is truly a Texan. Following several failed attempts at finishing his education after high school, he served in the U.S. Navy as a photographic intelligence analyst during the Vietnam War. Using the GI Bill, he returned to college, back in Texas, and completed his bachelor’s degree in business. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and began pilot training immediately following Officer Training School (OTS). Following his retirement from the armed services, he joined American Airlines and flew both domestic and international routes for over sixteen years. He retired as a captain in 2005 and began his next career, writing.