The author graduated from Kenyon College in 1963 Magna Cum Laude, high honors in economics and was inducted as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1966 graduated from Duke University Law School with honors, member of the Law Review and Order of the Coif honorary fraternity. Commissioned a Captain in the USAF after four years as JAG entered private practice in Kansas City with tax firm from which recruited to join Federated Department Stores (now Macy's) as associate counsel leaving as Operating Vice President and Senior Counsel to return to Joplin, MO to take place of friend appointed Federal Judge with Roberts, Fleischaker and Scott law firm. Later left the firm to engage in a variety of business and charitable interests which continue.