When John started his Army career back in 1977, he never dreamed that it would eventually lead him to become an Elvis impersonator. He found himself in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia enrolled in the Army's electronics training. Soon after his training, John ended up in Texas, where he met a buddy who shaped his musical career. His buddy just happened to be an Army Chaplain, who had a passion for music, and particularly the guitar. John became hooked! He and his buddy would drive to places all over Texas playing and entertaining people. John eventually changed jobs and became the Chaplain's assistant for the 3rd ACR.
John's active duty Army career lasted until 1980. "My favorite place that the Army lead me to was in San Luis Obispo county, Ca. It's absolutely beautiful with rolling hills. In fact, to this day, that is what I miss the most. Being able to be in those Southwestern areas that the Army afforded me to be, with the breath taking sunsets and mountains", John said. "What the Army did for me as a person is it gave me the chance to meet people from all over. Really great people. People from different cultures and I formed great friendships", John added.
John loved his Army life so much so, that he continued to serve his country by going into the Army reserves from 1980 to 1986. Giving him a total service career of just under 10 years!
But, it was his daughter who made him a true Elvis fan. "She loved Elvis and she got me hooked on him and the music", John tells us.
Today, John can be found traveling the entire gulf coast region as an Elvis impersonator. He has spent the last 11 years entertaining people from all walks of life doing his "Elvis" thing! "We started doing this in rest homes, just entertaining senior citizens. Now, we do large shows", added John.
To see more of what John is doing, or if you'd like to consider booking him for an entertainment gig, his website is www.thememoriesofelvisshow.com
John, thank you for serving your country, and enjoying what you did for America! We salute you!
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