Don was certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) as a Scuba Instructor in 1994. He is also an International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD) Instructor.

Don also holds certifications from the National Speleological Society — Cave Diving Section for Full Cave Diver, and IANTD for Trimix Diver.

Don is married, with three "kids:" rescued American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT). Their dogs are certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as Canine Good Citizens. Don and his wife are active in the preservation of the APBT breed. To learn more, please visit the Lone Star State Pit Bull Club. Meeting MARK-9's Pit Bull Ali was Don's introduction to the team.

Don is employed as an electrical engineer in Dallas, Texas.