Chris has felt at home in and around water since childhood. In 1994, while stationed in Panama with the Army, he embarked on his first dive, instantly captivated by the experience—the beauty, the tranquility, the feeling of being one with the undersea world. It was a sense of peace and homecoming, confirming his belonging to the underwater realm. Recognizing his passion, he aspired to share the joy and freedom of diving with others.

During that period, he accumulated extensive dive time and began the journey towards Divemaster certification. However, his career led to a prolonged hiatus from the water. In 2012, he resumed his certification journey through Patriot Scuba. Initially, he became an HSA-Certified Dive Buddy to work with wounded warriors and others facing disabilities. The experience has been a privilege, witnessing the bravery and determination of these individuals overcoming challenges to obtain certification. Achieving Divemaster status in August 2015, he takes pride in being a part of the Patriot Diving family.