He was a Vietnam War veteran. After he was inspired by JFK's inaugural address, he joined the US Army in 1965. That November, he was deployed to Vietnam where he received two Letters of Commendation serving as Specialist (SP4) under the 121st Assault Helicopter Company and on Advisory Team 59 in the 21st Infantry Division. He was then promoted to Sergeant and returned to the US at the end of 1966 to complete his service in California.