I worked in Parkland hospital as an orthotic technician until drafted by the United States Army in 1969.  I served with the 199 ^th Light Brigade, 25 ^th Infantry, and 1 ^st Calvary. I was awarded the Bronze Star w/ v device (valor).   In 1971 I finished my tour in Vietnam, and was stationed in Fort Sill, OK until my honorable discharge in 1972.  I returned to my position at Parkland until 1983.

I left my position at Parkland to begin a career with the City of Irving in the Parks and Recreation department.  In 1997 upon my father’s passing, I moved closer to this area with my family.  My three boys had attended Catholic School in Dallas, and after our move St. Mary’s Catholic School was the closest Catholic School for my boys to transfer.  My wife, Chela took a position with St. Mary’s at that time, and continues to teach Spanish here.  Our boys, Adrian, James, and Isaac are all St. Mary’s graduates and went on to attend Reicher Catholic High School.
I loved my time with the City of Irving until retiring in 2006. Since retirement I have worked at St. Jerome in Hewitt (2 years as maintenance manager), and then I too joined the Mustang family in 2011 part-time to help with maintenance.

My faith has always played a big role in my life.  I have been a member of the world wide Cursillo Movement since 17 years of age (55 years).  The Cursillo Movement, Courses in Christianity, is a movement started in Waco at St. Francis on the Brazos brought from Spain in May of 1957.  It was a natural desire when asked if I would attend an ACTS retreat with Deacon Ken Vochoska, so that we could bring this retreat to West.  About the same time Father Ed asked Chela and I if we would be interested in becoming Spanish coordinators for Assumption Parish, and to start Spanish mass.  We were honored.  I serve our parish as a Eucharistic Minister, have taught CCE, RCIA, and Confirmation classes.  I have also helped with the baptism classes, and have been a facilitator for the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) course. 

I know God called us to come and serve at St. Mary’s Church and in St. Mary’s Catholic School, and it brings me joy to help the parish and school in any capacity. I feel it is a dream comes true.