After Graduation I went to work as a truck driver delivering mail to post offices
throughout north-central Kansas. Concerned about being drafted and becoming bored
at seeing the same highways day after day I joined the U.S. NAVY in May of 1970. After
Boot Camp I attended Aviation Machinists Mate School at Millington Tenn. And just before
Graduation from school Pam Baker and I were married on 20 Dec 1970. Pam moved to
northern California with me in Jan. 71 while I received more training on specific aircraft and
engine systems. We moved to Hawaii in May of that year when I joined my first Navy Squadron.
Pam returned to California a few months later when I deployed with my squadron for my first
tour in Viet Nam. After a year I returned and Pam again joined me in Hawaii for a few months.
Pam returned to Kansas in Sept. of 72 when her Father Passed away. I flew back to see her
in Nov. for a few weeks before I deployed to Viet Nam for my second tour which was shortened
as the U.S. started pulling out of Viet Nam. Which was wonderful as I was home in time for
the birth of our first daughter Jennifer in Aug. of 73.After that the next 25 years were a blur, several new duty stations, two more children and 12 more deployments all over the globe I decided it was time to settle down and get to know my family that was almost grown. So after retiring in Aug of 98, Pam and I built a new house on some property we had on Whidbey Island "WA."
This area had become home to us as we spent 18 of the 28 years I was in the Navy stationed
here. We live in the "woods" just outside of Oak Harbor and after being out of the Navy for
6 years now it is really nice being able to go home everyday after work. Pam and I love our
little cabin in the country. Our oldest daughter 'Jenni" lives in Michigan with her husband, she
is a Dental Techician. Our Second daughter 'Jaime' lives here in Oak Harbor with her 2 Yr
old daughter Hanna whom is our pride and joy. Our youngest is Jonathan, he is 22 and
a senior at Western Washington U. a Engineering Technolgy Major.
I went to work for Raytheon Aerospace about 6 months after I retired from the Navy.
I started as a Jet Engine mechanic rebuilding engines for the Navy, then moved to Team Leader
on another contract. L-3 Communications bought the CFT portion of Raytheon about a year ago
and was promoted to Site Supervisor. I really enjoy my work, but also spend my free time
flyfishing as many of the lakes and streams across the Northwest as I can. But my real
passion is Elk Hunting, I usually hunt Wyoming, Washington and Montana every chance I get.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next Reunion. And personally thanking Pat,
Posey and the many others that put this Web Site together.
