Commissioner Interview-Steve Mills, Arizona

Hi Steve! Please share an interesting thing about yourself that not many people would know about you.
Steve: This question is so hard to answer! How about this – when I was in the Navy, we pulled into port in Boston during the Tall Ships 2000 maritime festival. While there, one of the sailing ships had a problem with their primary navigation radar. The interesting part is that the ship was a foreign vessel used for training sailing officers from Denmark – the S.S. Danmark. It’s been in continual use since being launched in 1932! Anyway, a shipmate of mine and I, being radar technicians, were sent over to help them diagnose and, if possible, fix the problem. After a couple of hours (and with a bit of help from a civilian technician), we found a bad transistor, soldered in a replacement, and the radar fired right up. The crew was so happy they insisted we stay to have dinner onboard the Danmark...and let me tell you, the Danes eat far better than US Navy sailors!
 
Open up your refrigerator and tell us about your top 5 favorite items in there.
Steve: Only five? Beer is always good. Cold pizza - a crowd favorite. Breakfast isn’t complete without English muffins (we keep ours in the fridge), marmalade, and a fried egg.

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
Steve: As a history fanatic, mine would be time travel. Can you imagine what it would be like to witness the Jacobite rising, or the War of Scottish Independence? Or, closer to home, the Gettysburg Address and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

If you won the BIG lottery, what would you do with your winnings?
Steve: This I have thought about often. There is the usual – take care of family, etc. etc. However, I would like to build a Clan MacKinnon museum on Skye, either at the ruins of Caisteal Maol or Dun Ringill. If it was a big Powerball jackpot, then start a nonprofit to purchase and manage the Strathaird estate (currently owned and managed by the John Muir Trust). One can dream, right?
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What is your favorite way to spend your day off?
Steve: Spend time with my family. Other than that: writing, camping, fishing or golf.
 
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Steve: Skye, to see my family’s distant cousins. Also, Tuscany - to enjoy a nice Chianti while looking out over vineyards stretching across rolling hills.
 
Why did you decide to become a State Commissioner for the Clan MacKinnon Society?
Steve: There was no CMS representation. I contacted John and asked if there would be a clan tent in Phoenix, and he said something like “yes, if you’d like to host it!” And here we are.
 
What is your favorite Cocktail (or non-alcoholic beverage)?
Steve: The Dalmore King Alexander III...only on special occasions.
 
Who is your favorite author?
Steve: This is a tough one. I’d have to go with Bernard Cornwell at the moment.
 
What person had the most influence in your life?
Steve: Another tough question. I can pick only one? I would have to say my father, who instilled in me work ethic and a desire to join the Navy. After that would be my mother, who gave me my love of writing.

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