When Springfield resident Austin Camacho isn't working for the Department of Defense, he's working on his mystery novels featuring the character Hannibal Jones. His published books include "Damaged Goods," "The Troubleshooter," "Blood and Bone," and "Collateral Damage." He is this week's People Profile.
Years in the community:
We bought our house in Springfield in June 2004, but the previous dozen years I lived in Alexandria.
Family:
I finally live alone with my wife Denise. Two girls, Erin and Lela, are married and distant. 0ne son, Adam, attends Valdosta College in Georgia. Our other son, Phillip, is a teacher's aid for Fairfax County Public Schools. Our third daughter, Chrystal, is a paralegal in Washington, D.C.
Education:
I earned a bachelor of science in liberal arts from New York University. I'm a graduate of the Defense Information School, where I was trained as a broadcast journalist. And I began my master's level work in the Defense Department graduate program in communications at the University of Oklahoma.
Current job:
I'm a public affairs specialist for the Department of Defense. I handle media queries and write newspaper and magazine articles for military publications and Web sites.
Achievements:
I have three mystery novels and an adventure thriller in print. Despite being a resident of Virginia, I am currently president of the Maryland Writers Association, because they are nearby and active. I videotaped incoming Scud missiles in Israel during Operation Desert Storm.
Activities/interests/hobbies:
I watch way too much television — just about every mystery, detective and police show. I love music, creating the perfect steak on the grill, and lying on the beach soaking up the sun. My hobby is writing, which takes up most of my free time.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community?
I love to spend time in Lake Accotink Park. As for restaurants, we don't eat out often, but we both have fallen for Cactus Taberna's Mexican food, and it's practically around the corner from us on Rolling Road.
Community concerns:
There's been a lot of growth, in terms of new homes with impressive price tags, but I would love to see a greater sense of community in terms of neighborhoods. More real coffee houses (not more Starbucks). More local theater, like Alexandria has. We don't need more places to drink, but more places to dance and hear live music. In other words, places to sit and talk. These are the things that pull people together.
What brought you here?
I loved Alexandria but we began to feel Washington moving out toward us and wanted to move just a little farther out. Springfield is the perfect compromise between the District and the country.
Community hidden treasure:
It's not exactly hidden but if you haven't found the Blue Parrot Lounge you need to. Did I mention my wife's love of dancing and my love of live bands?
Personal goals?
Don't repeat mistakes. Don't forget birthdays. And publish a new mystery every year, so I can build a loyal following of Hannibal Jones fans to support him, and me, when I retire.
Do you know someone who should be featured in the Connection's People Profile? Send your nominations to Jon Whiten at jwhiten@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6422.