Date and place of birth: 27 November 1953, Sandla in Pihtla rural municipality, Saaremaa
Marital status: Married, one son
Education: Kaliningrad Technical Institute, maritime navigation 1985; Tallinn Maritime School, shipmaster 1973
Career: 11th Riigikogu, 2007– ; Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces 2000–2006; Estonian Border Guard Administration, Director General 1993–2000; Estonian Maritime Education Centre, Rector 1990–1993; Estonian Shipping Company, sailor, mate, captain, marine superintendent, 1973–1990
Party affiliation: Pro Patria and Res Publica Union 2006–
Membership in representative bodies: 11th Riigikogu
Social activities: Estonian Shooting Union, President; Estonian Maritime Academy, Board of Trustees, Chair; Estonian Hunters Society, member
Awards: White Cross of the Estonian Defence League, 1st class 2006;  Knight of the Order of the Lion of Finland 2006; Latvian National Order of Viesturs, 1st class 2005; Order of the National Coat of Arms, 2nd class 2005; Grand Cross of the Commander of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas 2004; Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy 2004; State of Maryland Distinguished Service Cross 2004; Grand Cross of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique of the Republic of Portugal 2003; Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit 2002; Order of the Cross of the Eagle, 2nd class 1998; Estonian Defence Forces Distinguished Service Decoration 1998; Golden Cross of the Rescue Service 1998
18.12.07