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Ben is a native of Marquette, Michigan, a graduate of (the old) Gravaraet High School in Marquette and Ball State University in Indiana. He enlisted in the United States Air Force as a private during the Korean War, rose through the ranks to Staff Sergeant then became an aviator, a pilot "flying anything and everything they didn’t physically keep me out of."
He served a combat tour in Southeast Asia flying F-4 "Phantom" fighter bombers over North Vietnam. He retired in 1970 with the rank of Major.
After retiring from the military Ben flew various civilian aircraft both for hire and for fun. He also sailed boats, traveled extensively camping out everywhere from the North Woods to the Southwestern desert country. He enjoys the outdoors and an active life, a life which is shared by his wife, Dorothy.
He began writing during his air force career and has since been published in flying and outdoor magazines and newspapers. He has also written several books.
Ben is the father of three daughters and one son and stepfather to two sons and four daughters. He and Dorothy currently live overlooking the wildlife community of a small bayou along the sandy shore of Lake Superior just east of Marquette.
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