He was a born on Earth to a russian family but was born in the United States. He joined Starfleet to be a captain but was thrusted into the borg War before he could aobtain the rank. He however is a loyal, and a stern captain who wouldn't dare disobey a direct order unless it came in conflict with his morals and ethics.
Unconventional to say the least. He doesn't believe in the Starfleet Prime Directive, which is why he has been damned as he says to a Thunderchild, though it fits his personality better than one would expect. He is a compassionate starfleet officer with a flawless starfleet record, which is why many question why he hasn't been given a better assignment.