My life experiences - living abroad, my military service, my work experience in banking and financial services, and my struggles and successes as a family man - have prepared me to represent my district in Congress.

Born in America’s heartland, Kankakee, IL on the 4th of July, I grew up in Havana, Cuba. My parents instilled values of honesty and respect for everyone, no matter how humble their position in society. Our family was part of a larger family of Americans and international expatriates. I grew up bilingual, playing with Cuban children in my neighborhood and attended schools that were half Cuban students and half American. We were taught respect, excellence in education, preparing students for the finest universities around the world, respect for each other, and appreciation for the richness of each other’s cultures.

After Castro assumed power, my parents left Cuba with only $5 in their pockets. Living overseas only made me appreciate my country that much more. The United States has always stood out among the world leaders as the brightest beacon of freedom, hope and opportunity.

Eventually my family settled in Los Angeles, where I attended UCLA, majoring in Political Science and participating in NROTC. Upon graduation, I was commissioned as an officer in the Navy Reserve and served as Anti-Submarine Officer and Nuclear Weapons Officer aboard a destroyer during the Vietnam War.

I am proud of the ship and of the officers and men with whom I served, many of whom have endorsed my candidacy. Both of my brothers served as well, one as a Naval Academy graduate and Navy pilot and the other as an artillery officer and recipient of the Legion of Merit.

Although I had always been attracted to public service, I also felt it important to have a good grounding in finance. So, after being released from active duty, I started my career in business as a Loan Officer with Bank of America. After four years in banking, I joined American Express and moved to Caracas, Venezuela and then to Rio de Janeiro. I had responsibility for South and Central America and conducted business with the airlines, major retailers, tourism and travel related companies, and governments in these countries.

My most rewarding experience with American Express was as Director of Marketing and Sales in Spain. My responsibilities included building the business, training, growing and empowering the staff, and developing relationships with the Spanish government, the local business community and with our colleagues internationally.

I have been married for 36 years to my wife, Jenifer, and have three wonderful children, now responsible adults. I retired in Fallbrook, CA in 2004.

In 2006 I joined the Fallbrook Democratic Club and soon after became deeply involved helping a candidate run for State Assembly. In quick succession I was appointed to the Democratic County Central Committee, became president of the Fallbrook Democratic Club, was elected to the State Central Committee, and to the State Party Executive Board.

Now I am running for Congress to put our country back on the right track. I welcome your help.