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“Really depends on where I’m going. If it is for work, then I am usually thinking of the event or meeting I am enroute to. I use that time to go over information and prepare mentally for the event.

“When I am out running errands, I usually think about what I need to get or do for the day. I really just try and use the time as productively as I can.”

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“I was pretty reserved in high school. Stayed to myself and tried to get good grades. I played inter mural sports like basketball and hockey. When I decided to enlist, I began training with my recruiter to prepare for boot camp. That is when I learned that I really did not like running.”

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 “I worked a summer at a sporting goods store in Wisconsin. The manager was a family friend and wonderful man. He told me that summer, ‘If you’re not having fun at what you’re doing, why do it?’ He set that mindset for me. I have been in law enforcement since I enlisted in the Marine Corps as military police, going on 27 years now and have fun most days.”

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“I really didn’t remember, so I asked my mother. According to her, I have wanted to be a police officer since I was 5 years old. I thought my mother was joking around with me until she pulled out my baby book and showed me.”

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 “My family. I look back at everything we have been through over the years and how my children have grown. My wife, Nicole, puts up with so much from me and the kids. Some days I wonder how she does it … not throwing pots and pans at us. My oldest daughter is down in Las Cruces, making a good living and enjoying life. My middle daughter is a freshman at (The University of New Mexico) getting good grades and working hard. My son is about to be a teenager and is such a thoughtful young man. All my children have learned from my mistakes in life and are becoming wonderful people. Thank goodness they have their mother’s good looks and intelligence.”

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 “A chef. I like to cook and see the creation from start to finish. I like the creativity you can have with spices and herbs. Sometimes it works out well and we have a delicious meal, other times, the dogs enjoy it more.”

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“I try to work our horses and really try to team rope. Rodeo sports are a great time with family and friends. I take that time to teach my son the husbandry of animals. It is important for me to teach him that the animals can only do so much for themselves and yet they give us so much in return. Proper food, clean water and health care can go a long way to a horse that has just given everything they have for our trust. The connection with rider and horse is wonderful when both trust one another.”

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 “If I said, then everyone would know. Well, I grew up in South Dakota on a little farm northwest of Sioux Falls. We moved off the farm when I was about 8 years old and we moved around about every two years or so. I graduated high school and, 18 days later, was standing on the yellow footprints at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. I was going to do four years as military police and be done. I re-enlisted and spent more than 10 years in the Marine Corps, and enjoyed every minute.”

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“‘Salem’s Lot’ by Stephen King — it was the first book by King I read and was hooked. ‘Extreme Ownership’ by Joko Willink for the reminder of what is possible. The Bible for my faith.”

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 “My best friend is my wife, Nicole. We have been through a lot, as many couples have, I am sure. She puts up with a lot from me for work and at home. The biggest reason is that she keeps me grounded and provides constructive criticism when I need it. She will always tell me the truth, even if I don’t like it. We enjoy taking care of our property, our animals and being outdoors. I know that when I have a rough day, I can count on her to raise my spirits.”

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“I really don’t have a favorite song; anything by George Strait. I enjoy country music the most because it tells a story most of the time. I listen to heavy metal when I work out to get the adrenaline going. I used to be a metal head in my younger years.”

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“My happy place is my home. We have worked very hard to have a comfortable home where we can enjoy family. There is always something to do to stay busy. We have several horses, chickens, barn cats and dogs to take care of. Something always needs to be fixed.”

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“There was not any specific experience. I have always had good encounters with law enforcement growing up, and they were held in high regard in my community. My best friend’s father was the chief of police in my hometown. I always looked up to him.”

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 “Mr. Hegreness — probably spelled wrong — my 11th grade physics teacher. He was a burly man, about 6-foot tall, who made learning fun. He did not put up with the shenanigans high school kids do. I remember getting several dry erase markers thrown at me when I was not paying attention in class. He made sure to not hit anyone, his aim was good. When he learned that I had enlisted in the Marine Corps, he made a point to talk with me. He was a former Marine during Vietnam and wanted to make sure that I knew what I was getting myself into. He did not try to dissuade me in anyway; he wanted to make sure that my recruiter was not lying to me.”

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“The movie “300” where King Leonidas kicks the Persian down the well and yells, “This is Sparta!” That is the dedication a man should have to defend the country, citizens and family he has been entrusted with. King Leonidas contemplates the offer of the Persian to save his people or start a war that they are way out numbered in. The decision King Leonidas makes is a heavy one, submit to the Persian army and become slaves or deny the offer and risk the potential slaughter of his people. If you watched the movie, you know what he decided. I believe that King Leonidas made the correct decision, fight for freedom rather than settle for slavery. The overall movie is about the dedication of warriors to protect their people.”

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“General Lewis B. Puller, ‘Chesty,’ was one of the most decorated Marines in history. His tactics, ethics and leadership during campaigns saved the lives of many men. I have read numerous books about his career and would enjoy to learn more from the man himself.”

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 “I am most proud of my family. I have a beautiful wife who puts up with my antics, two adult children who have blossomed into amazing young ladies and an obnoxious young son who keeps me on my toes. People say it all the time — I truly feel like the luckiest man.”

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 “I pray that I am remembered as a man of faith and integrity. A man that has worked diligently to achieve goals that better others and the community. It should never be about one person, it is about all of us together, united, living free under a beautiful blue sky.”