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, I spent most of my youth 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. The Air Force assigned me the duties of a security specialist. The Air Force stationed me at Nellis Air Force Base for the first two years of my career. 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 an exceptional 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).
Because of my efforts,they sent me 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 an actual mission. My time in Turkey lasted three interesting years before I moved on to Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium. I spent nine exceptional 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 must end.
They finally stationed me 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 retired after spending 27 years in higher education. I completed my run at Dean College, where I worked as the Director of Instructional Technology and Design. Additionally, I oversee the Dean College Library. This part of the role was new for me, and I learned a lot. Previously, I worked for Jamestown Community College as the Director of 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 enjoy sharing what I have learned with others and helping them get to a new level.
During my “off” time, I enjoy my time with my wife, Bernadette, and our dog, Brandy. My education includes a completed doctorate. I am still in the Civil Air Patrol, even though I had retired. My service spanned all tiers of the organization. One of my most memorable CAP assignments was as the wing commander for Wyoming. I recently finished a stint as president of the Central Mass chapter of the Association for Talent Development. I am also busy with a local magic club and a Bujinkan club.