Arthur Sass was born in Charleston, SC. He attended elementary and high schools in the Charleston County School system. After graduating from Burke High School, he applied and was accepted as a student at Livingstone College located in Salisbury, NC in August 1972. While in college he became interested in the Marine Corps and attended two leadership summer sessions after his sophomore and junior years, In May 1976, Sass was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps at his college commencement ceremony. Sass had a successful career in the Marine Corps from May 1976 to December 2006. His assignments included such jobs as Supply Officer, Clubs Officer, Logistics Officer, Commanding Officer, Chief to Staff, Programs and Budgeting Officer, aw well as the Secretary of Defense Fellow with FedEx Corporation. He obtained the rank of Colonel before reitirng in December 2006. Colonel Sass' plans after retirement did not include being a Naval Science instructor at Eau Claire High School. However, after visiting the school in October 2006 and meeting the NJROTC cadets, he was provided the ideal opportunity to give back to society in an area where his talents and abilities would be useful. He is also elated to be a part of the noble profession of teaching/education. Colonel Sass was certified as a Naval Science instructor on 27 March 2007. He was officially hired by Richland Count School District One the same day. Colonel Sass has a Masters Degree in Business.