From Mr. Flakes:

In January 2002, I received a Tennessee Department of Education license with a business endorsement. More importantly, in May 2002, I achieved a life long dream, graduating with a Master of Arts in Teaching. With the completion of my M.A.T. I went on to complete further graduate level studies, upgrading my Tennessee Department of Education license to include additional endorsements in office technology, keyboarding, and mathematics.

I served twenty-five years in the United States Navy, completing my active duty as an AWCS (E-8) and a drill instructor at Great Lakes, Illinois. While my primary duties included flying, ground and flight instruction, and numerous other leadership positions, I acquired approximately 12.5 years of teaching experience.

I taught three and one-half years at Covington High School, both in the PLATO lab as assistant and then supervisor, and in the math department teaching Algebra I and Foundations II.

I am married (to a retired sailor) with two grown girls continuing the family tradition serving in the Navy, and I have three beautiful granddaughters.