My life began in West Des Moines, Iowa where I grew up with my younger brother and sister on three acres of forested land with a creek. Perhaps that is where my interest in biology began, as well as my love of nature. School was enjoyable and I participated in football, wrestling, track and served as an editor on the yearbook staff. I was always very interested to hear about family experiences regarding military service. My father served during WWII in Europe, my uncle in the Pacific, and my grandfather served in WWI. It seemed natural that I would follow in their footsteps.
I received my appointment to West Point and was happy to join the class of 1969. The education was very challenging as well as exceptional, and life at West Point was a great opportunity to forge lifelong friendships. After graduating, I attended Artillery School, was married in February, and 11 days later departed for Viet Nam. Next was a four-year assignment in Germany. I was a Battery Commander and later taught the Company Commander’s Course in Oberammergau.
My decision to resign my commission was difficult, but opportunities in the world of science were calling to me. We moved to Florida where I enrolled in graduate school and joined the Army Reserves. I began work on a Ph.D. with a major in Marine Biology. I spent time scuba diving along the Atlantic Coast and in the Florida Keys. Armed with only a degree in Civil Engineering, I had to begin anew in the area of biology. After completing my doctorate, I was hired by the Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska as an Environmental Engineer. I later became Director of Environmental Management for SAC and was responsible for environmental issues at 28 Air Force Bases in 13 states and Guam. After 33 years I retired from federal service and was then hired by the State of Nebraska where I spent 10 years as an environmental engineer. I feel quite fortunate to have had careers in the military and the biological sciences. Both have played important roles in my life. I was proud to serve the Army for 28 years and retired as a Colonel. My most memorable experiences were participating in the first five Spaces Shuttle launches (Space Transportation System) as a member of NASA’s environmental monitoring team. I remain very interested in biology. I have a great microscope and have been observing and studying protozoa thanks to our children and grandchildren who deliver pond water on a regular basis. Despite my limited mobility, all is well in Nebraska!
- Late to R-Day
My parents were quite pleased when I found out I had been accepted to the United States Military Academy. However, they were very upset that I was leaving home. I’m not saying they did this deliberately, but no one set an alarm and I missed my fight to NYC. I was fortunate to catch a… Read more: Late to R-Day