While aboard an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam conflict, he realized his life’s calling was veterinary medicine. After completing his military service, he enrolled in Texas A&M University and completed his undergraduate degree in 1976. His veterinary career began in 1979 when he graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. After selling his veterinary practice in central Texas, he and his family moved back to Corpus Christi and opened SSAH in 1993. His efforts to enrich the veterinary community include his seat on the development council at Texas A&M’s veterinary school and his previous service as president of the Coastal Bend Veterinary Medical Association (CBVMA). His passion for helping our nation’s heroes inspired him to develop Hank’s & Eli’s Fund, which provides financial support for the veterinary needs of military veterans and active duty service members. In his free time, he could be found on the water, as he is an avid outdoorsman. His love for animals and affinity for a rural lifestyle has driven him to enter into the deer and cattle business, where he manages both of his herds at the family ranch.