About the Author

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, his primary high school educational interests were in History and World Geography: that continued into adulthood. After military service, he was hired by the National Security Agency (NSA) and served with distinction for 38 years, followed by 8 years as a Honeywell International contractor assigned back to NSA. Mr. Sharp often helped shape policy initiatives and manage senior staff teams. He also served at senior levels in his Agency. During these four decades, Mr. Sharp traveled to 75 countries; spent 10 years at the University of Maryland (nights) to obtain a Bachelor Degree in Management and Organizational Theory (1976); Graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College (1980), and again returned to night school for 3 years to receive a Masters Degree in Management and Personnel Supervision from Central Michigan University (1984). A highlight of his government career was a one year special assignment to The Office of the President, The White House, serving President Ronald Regan. He led the Evidence Analysis Team, IRAN/CONTRA affair (1987-88). In late 1988 he returned to the West Wing for one month to write the history of how the team operated. Prior to his physical problems, he and his wife of 46 years, Louise, were enthusiastic long-distance walkers. Their son James is in Federal Law Enforcement, and daughter Denise is office manager of a veterinary hospital, and on standby with the Department of Homeland Security for deployment to disaster regions to attend to the health of rescue animals. They have three grandchildren, and have resided in Maryland since 1964.