As a native of Bakersfield, Don has family roots in Kern County dating back to 1922. A graduate of BHS, Don decided to enter the Marine Corp while in his 2nd year of college and ultimately served a tour of duty in Vietnam during 1969 & 70. Following military service, he was employed with the Kern County school system that led to a 38 year long career in pupil transportation and operational maintenance, where Don retired as Division Administrator for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2007. With a commitment to community service, Don joined Westchester Kiwanis in 1995 and led the club as President in 2001 after serving on the Board of Directors and participating in numerous committee projects. Don especially enjoys the club member comradery and fun, while at the same time, serving young children and military veterans within the community.