Working at Kleine Brogel AB, Belgium
I hail from Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. Actually, I was born in Germany and traveled to various parts of the country because my father was in the military. However, most of my youth was spent in Tunkhannock. I graduated from Tunkhannock Area High School in 1979. While in school, I was active in Civil Air Patrol, and on the swim team.
Upon graduating from school, I entered the United States Air Force. I was assigned the duties of a security specialist. During the first two years of my career, I was assigned to Nellis Air Force Base. At Nellis I worked in a weapon storage area; it was one of the best assignments of my career. From Nellis, I went to the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Colorado. I spent a great year there, and now regret turning down my appointment to the Air Force Academy itself.
From the Academy, I went to one of the worst assignments of my career; Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. To leave that dreadful place, I put in for a worldwide extended remote tour (I wanted to leave bad).
As a result of my efforts, I was sent to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. It was an interesting assignment; I got to work with both aircraft and a weapon storage area. It also felt like you had a real mission. I spent three interesting years in Turkey and then went to Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium. I spent nine great years in Belgium. I worked a variety of duties including flight sergeant, operations superintendent, training superintendent, NCOIC of standardization and evaluation, and computer manager. Unfortunately, all good things had to come to an end.
I was finally stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. I was the superintendent of training for 800 security force members. The folks I worked with were great; however, the command has a lot to be desired. You can see my frustration through my retirement speech that I gave when I retired in 1999.
Presently, I am working at Dean College as the Director for Instructional Technology and Design. Additionally, I oversee the Dean College Library. This part of the role is new for me and I have learned a lot. This has been a rather recent change. I worked for Jamestown Community College as the Director for Technology-Enhanced Instruction. Previously, I worked at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming as an instructional technology educational specialist for the Extension, as a web developer for the University Public Relations office, and a systems programmer for the Information Technology Department. Prior to this career change, I was the Webmaster for Hobart and William Smith Colleges. I initially, started my career at Hobart and William Smith Colleges as an instructional technologist for the Modern Languages Department. I am having a great time sharing what I have learned with others.
During my “off” time, I enjoy my time with my wife, Bernadette and our dog, Brandy. I completed a doctorate in education. I used to be in the the Civil Air Patrol, but retired a few years ago. I had served at all levels of the organization. One of my most memorable CAP assignments was as the wing commander for Wyoming. I am now staying active as president-elect for the Central Mass chapter of the Association for Talent Development. I am also busy with a local magic club and Bujinkan club.