| Biography I was born and raised within a traditional Hispanic household in East Los Angeles, California. My parents (who are now both deceased) were born in Mexico and only spoke Spanish; thus my native language became Spanish and through schooling I learned English as a Second Language. Based on our parents’ beliefs, my siblings and I were provided a catholic elementary and high school education. Following graduation from high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for 30 years completing tours of duty in East Asia, Europe, and various locations in the United States. Using the Troops to Teachers Program, I gained federal funding to complete my Masters in Early Childhood/Elementary Education with Auburn University at Montgomery in December, 2003 and worked as an elementary school teacher for over seven years at Brewbaker Primary School, an inner city public school in Montgomery. While working as an elementary school teacher, I was also able to earn an Education Specialist Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education with Auburn University at Montgomery in August, 2007. And, in December, 2011, I earned a Doctorate Degree in Curriculum and Teaching with Auburn University. I am married to the former, Bich Ngoc Tran of Saigon, Vietnam. Her corresponding English name is Becky; and we have been married nearly 32 years. In fact, on January 25, 2012, we will celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. We have only one child, her name is Julie Kim Dueñas; and she is currently stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base, located at San Angelo, Texas. |