On October 27, 2010, the 55th class of the Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA.
John began his working career in the US Army Reserves. During the 21 years of service, John traveled throughout the world, including Honduras, Germany, and Panama. At retirement from the Army Reserves, John was a Drill Sergeant stationed in Maryland. He is now living in his hometown of Marion, VA.
In Oct 2005, John was hired at Hungry Mother State Park. He began his second career as a wage maintenance ranger. He was hired full time by the park January 1, 2007. John’s various handyman-like skills have proved to be a tremendous asset at Hungry Mother State Park. John was essential in the cabin renovation that have taken place over the past 5 years at Hungry Mother State Park.
On June 21,2010, John embarked on the next stage of his career for parks. He began at the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in pursuit of becoming a Conservation Officer. Conservation Officers for Virginia State Parks are required to complete the same training that all town and county officers require. Virginia State Parks Conservation Officers are Department of Criminal Justice accredited. John has returned to Hungry Mother State Park but will soon begin his field training at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston, VA.