"Hotshot Has a Valentine" is a lilting tale of a school-age boy and an elderly lion. Both fear they have lost their chance for a valentine, but when they find the wisdom and strength to put their pride aside, they discover that they were very much mistaken. "Hotshot has a Valentine" is a heartwarming and vividly illustrated story about courage and honesty for children. Gary grew up in the Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps, where he was deployed to the Persian Gulf War and Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia. He has received numerous awards while serving his country, including the Navy Achievement Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon. During his enlistment, he completed his bachelor's degree in business from Chapman University in San Bernardino, California. He is a martial arts enthusiast and certified scuba diver.