During the Vietnam Era the US Coast Guard was the only branch of the military that would guarantee, in writing, that they would send me to a school after completion of boot camp - in exchange for a four-year enlistment.

So, after a year studying radio communications in New York City and another year on a "search and rescue" ship in the Caribbean as an apprentice radio operator, year three  proved to be life changing. I was sent to a tiny island in the northern Philippine Chain (see map) as radioman in charge. 

There wasn't a great deal to do after work, so, I began making black and white photos of my surroundings. What started out as a hobby to fill the time, soon became a passion and, ultimately, my life's work.