Sean grew up in New Bedford,MA. His family owned a fishing boat the "Irish Rose". During summers Sean would work the dock and take part in fishing aboard the ship as a deckhand. While on the ship Sean got experience in the various roles aboard an ocean going vessel including doing maintenance on the ships engines and other fishing equipment. After graduating high school in 1992 Sean joined the US Army enlisted in Infantry for 4 years. After training Sean's first duty station was at Fort Polk, LA with the 5th Infantry Div(M}. In 1994 Sean transferred to Germany and was stationed with the 1st Infantry Div(Fwd) until 1996. His first enlistment ended earlier that year Sean joined the 26th Infantry Div (MA NG). A combat signaler position was open in his battalion and he was able to train for that MOS just before hostilities started.