Ron is a 20-year US Navy veteran served early in his career as a Disbursing Clerk and later as an Intelligence Specialist. Ships included USS RUSHMORE (LSD-47), USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), USS NITZE (DDG-94), and USS SHILOH (CG-67) and shore duties include PSD Miramar, CA, STRATJIC Omaha, NE, and JFCOM Norfolk, VA. Deployed to the Persian Gulf several times, Germany, South Korea, Baghdad, Iraq, and Yokosuka, Japan. Port Visits in over 16 nations. Prior to joining ODU, Ron served as a Clinical Mental Health Resident focused on trauma and suicide awareness. He is an advocate for veterans and their families and has been an active member a local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post for 20 years and serves as the VFW Virginia District 2 Commander and several state level committees. He is married to Josie for over 29 years with 4 sons and recently welcomed their first grandson into the family.