Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program in 1942. Served as an aircrew member during World War II.

Employed by the Federal Aviation Administration for approximately twenty years in various positions including Deputy Director, Office of Aviation Security. Served on six-member U.S. Anti Air Piracy Task Force which originated the Passenger/Baggage Screening System utilized worldwide to counter aircraft hijackings and other aviation crimes. Played a major role in the development of the U.S. Aviation Security Program.

Initiated development of the hijacker profile, local law enforcement support of airport and airline security, Federal Aviation Security Regulations and Aviation Explosives Security Program.

Directed or assisted in the crisis management of more than one hundred aviation security incidents. Primary author of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Aviation Security Manual on two occasions. President of first international aviation security company. This company, AVSEC, Inc., provided training and technical expertise to nations and corporations throughout the world. Celebrated 50 years of marriage to Catherine McGroder on November 23, 2000.