Graduated from Syracuse University in 1962. Was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the USAF Reserves. Began pilot training at Craig AFB, Selma, AL in 1963. Flew a total of five years on active duty with the USAF Reserves. Flew another five years with the NY National Guard. During his military career he logged 1,600 jet hours in the T-37, T-33, F-4C/D, F-105, F-86H, and AT-37B. He also flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Readiness Medal, The National Defense Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Hired by Eastern Airlines in 1968. During his 22 years with Eastern he flew 12,500 commercial jet hours on the DC-8, DC-9, 727, and A-300. Retired from the USAF Reserves in 1986. Retired from Eastern in 1991.