B&B’s are famous for being family affairs and the Historic Peninsula Inn is happy to follow the tradition. Veronica’s younger brother Thomas has finally made the move to Gulfport and can usually be found at the front desk where he also often works on his artwork. When asked about his History before coming here, he says:
“I started off my career enlisting in the Navy. After Basic and Hospital Corps School in San Diego, I was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital on the Neurology Neurosurgery wards. I then become ships Corpsman and a plank owner aboard the USS Samuel B Roberts, FFG-58. A ship that became historically noteworthy – While on duty in the Persian Gulf she was nearly sunk by an Iranian Mine (save for the outstanding training and actions taken by command and crew, putting out the fires, keeping her together and afloat against all odds) this occurred in April of 1988.
After completing my service, I studied at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Arts in Dover New Jersey and began working in the industry while still in School. I worked for publishers such as Marvel, Harris and Dark Horse Comics as well as many other independent Publishers. While most of my work was colorwork, I often did Inking and was even the penciller or illustrator for numerous stories, covers, and pin-ups. During a downturn in the industry, I found it difficult to do my part in supporting my family only with my artwork. I tried a number of positions but finally landed at Kinkos eventually becoming a corporate trainer and then assistant Manager in Computer Services.
After many years and a divorce, I moved to Holland and Northern Germany for a short time, then eventually making my way back to the USA where I joined Veronica in Phoenix, AZ. After some time, she took off for Africa and I stayed working in Automobile sales and support for years until a serious health problem prevented me from sustaining the long and high-stress work hours.
In 2012, I moved to Atlanta Georgia where I eventually had my heart valve transplant surgery (say what you will about The VA but they certainly saved my life and took great care of me). Thank goodness also for my niece Linda and her family for taking me in and helping me through recuperation and physical therapy. I can never repay their kindness, but it was clear that Georgia was never going to be my permanent home.
Finally, I was ready to start my next chapter and was not sure which way to go. That was when Veronica bought the Historic Peninsula Inn and suggested I come down and check out Gulfport. It did not take long for me to know I had found my home. The people of Gulfport have been so friendly and welcoming and I am able to share my art in a place that truly reveres artists. I also get the pleasure of working with people from all over the world as they visit the Inn. This is the right place for me to be…now, if I could only get my two wonderful children to join us here my life would be pretty close to perfect!”