Deacon Wally was born and raised in Michigan. In 1987 he joined the United States Marine Corps. Originally, he was not planning on making a career with the Corps, however as time moved on, Calabrese spent 20 years on active duty and retired in 2007 as a Gunnery Sergeant. During his time in the Corps and while stationed overseas in Okinawa Japan, he met his bride, Amy. They married on April 11, 1992, and were blessed with two daughters, Lori (Thomas) and Leeza (Kevin). Both daughters are married and have children. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Calabrese began working for the local community college as the campus chair. Calabrese spent 13 years with the college and decided to leave full-time work to pursue writing and speaking extensively. Deacon Wally was ordained to the diaconate June 26, 2010. He was in the second class for the Diocese of Raleigh. Upon ordination, Calabrese was assigned to Annunciation Parish in Havelock, NC. Calabrese authored The Apostles and Me! Deacon Wally also has authored booklets titled, Confirmed and Ready! and Living a Catholic and Moral Life. Calabrese has a passion for spreading the great love of Christ and the Catholic Faith. Deacon Wally earned his bachelor's degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and he holds a master's degree in Pastoral Theology from St. Joseph’s College, Standish, ME. For more information on Deacon Wally Calabrese please visit his website: www.deaconwallycalabrese.com