John enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 and deployed to al-Anbar, Iraq in 2005. After four years in the Corps, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy. During his time in the Navy, John has mobilized twice in support of Operation Inherent Resolve where he served as Deputy Operations Officer for Special Operations Task Force – East Africa, supervising an operational department of Navy SEALs and Marine Raiders. He continues to serve in the Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer supporting U.S. Africa Command.
John’s service has earned him two Joint Service Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service medals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree in Defense & Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a graduate credential in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
A Florida native, John lives in Orlando with his son, Jack, and an American Foxhound named Kip.