2005 Completed a circuit of the Earth by plane, train, boat, car, horse, and foot
2004 Earned Kendo Shodan ranking (black belt), Yukuhashi, Japan
2000 Letter of Commendation (for apprehension of a burglar), Jackson Police Dept, MS
1999 Letter of Appreciation (for oral presentation), MS Gem and Mineral Soc., Jackson
1995 Earned M.Sc. in Geology (stable-isotope paleontology) Univ. South Florida, Tampa
1994 Certificate of Appreciation, Great American Teach-In, Leto High School, Tampa, Florida
1994 Research Grant (for graduate research), Geological Society of America
1994 Research Grant (for graduate research), Conchologists of America
1994 Research Grant (for graduate research), Sigma Xi Scientific Society
1994 Waller Scholarship (for graduate research), Tampa Bay Fossil Club
1992 Army Achievement Medal (for meritorious service), 2/20th Special Forces, MS ARNG
1992 Certificate of Excellence, P. E. LaMoreaux and Associates, Mobile, Alabama
1991 Earned B.S. in Geology, Mississippi State University, MS
1990 Completed the Army Airborne course, Ft. Benning, GA
1990 Honor Graduate, Primary Leadership Dev. Course, Region III NCO Academy, US Army
1989 Army Achievement Medal (for meritorious service), 365th S & S Bn, US Army Reserve.
1989 Certificate of Appreciation, Joint Medical Readiness Training Center, US Army
1989 Certificate of Appreciation, 213th Medical Brigade, MS ARNG
1988 Outstanding Unit Participation Award, 365th S & S Bn, US Army Reserve
1987 Letter of Appreciation (for outstanding service), 2nd Mobile Training Co., US Army
1986 Dean's Scholarship (for ACT score), Hinds Community College, Raymond, MS
1983 1st Prize Audio-visual Presentation, State Foreign Language Fair, Jackson, MS
1982 Excellence in Science Award (for academic achievement), Clinton Pub. Schools, MS