AKA: 25 years (retired) Deputy Sheriff, part time instructor at the Oregon Police Academy, fast and slow pitch umpire.

Why I Became A Dive Buddy: A couple years after I became a certified diver, I was on a dive vacation in Hawaii. On one of the days we were going out, a guy in his mid-30’s got on the boat, he was in a wheelchair. I thought he was there to support his wife. I was wrong. He was there to dive with us. I was both surprised and fascinated. This was his first-time scuba diving since his injury that had left him paralyzed from the waist down. I spent that dive watching him. I noticed he needed someone to assist him and he needed special equipment, like webbed gloves to compensate for no use of his legs. Watching him changed me. He showed me that if you really want to do something, it is possible with a little help and support. He never stopped smiling. He did not let his limitation (the chair) stop him from doing the things he loved. I wondered how many others like him were out there. SO, fast forward 2 years later when I became Dale Kleier's neighbor. One day we were standing on his deck talking, as neighbors sometimes do..... Dale told me what he was doing, starting a nonprofit to teach and work with others who have disabilities. He asked me if I would be willing to be a member of his board of directors. I did not hesitate to join. This is a great cause and an amazing way to share a sport I really love.

Favorite place to dive: Sulawesi Indonesia saw the Blue Ringed Octopus, the Coconut Octopus and the Mimic Octopus.