While I was born in Shawnee Mission Kansas I grew up in SavannahandSylvania Georgia, spending most of my youth living
on a plantation in Screven County. I attended Screven County High
School. I was State president ofGeorgia 4-H, won the state
archery competition and was named Georgia Youth Conservationist
of the Year in 1984. I was also active inscoutingand was an Eagle
Scout with troop 341. I went to Vanderbilt University on a Naval
Reserve Officers Training Scholarship and completed my degrees at
Georgia Southern University.