Bio
Dr. Atwood is a distinguished public historian and a recognized expert military historian. His work is informed by both scholastic excellence and by practical experience. He is a retired naval officer who has had sea duty and world-wide postings. His academic credentials include the BA from University of Miami, followed by the Master's Degree and the Doctorate in History from Florida International University. He is a graduate of the US Army Command & General Staff College Military History Instructor Course, and holds a Certificate in Systems Analysis from UCLA. He was recognized as the foremost FIU Military Veteran of 2024.
Dr. Atwood is the founding Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Military Museum located on the grounds of that former Naval Air Station in south Dade. The last remaining building of that installation was saved through his tireless efforts and advocacy. The building is steeped in south Florida heritage, having been Headquarters in World War II for the fight against the Nazi U-boats attacking Florida. Later this building was the JM-WAVE CIA Station during the fight against the Castro regime by the gallant Cuban Exile freedom fighters. In the Vietnam era it was home to the 324th Army MASH, and later the Marine Corps Reserve Center from which our Marines deployed for Desert Storm. Atwood has raised over $14 Million to save, restore and repurpose this historic building, including its listing on the US National Register of Historic Places. Located next door to Zoo Miami, it is a highly popular tourist destination and heritage attraction.
Atwood's book State of War: A History of World War II in Florida was published by the prestigious University Press of Florida in 2025, to both critical acclaim and widespread public welcome. He has taught extensively at the college-level and presently serves at the FIU Jack Gordon Institute as Resident Military Historian.