This comprehensive biography is an account of my work-experience responsibilities in greater detail. I spent the last 40 years meticulously putting this employment biography together and starting by writing my resumes as early as 1982 when I first entered the tech-industry job market. I never filled out a job application; I was permanently hired as a temp worker on contract thru what they called back then job shops (temp agencies). It was the preferred way for nonprofessional workers like myself to start in the industry back then. I used to joke about calling myself an employment whore, and the job-shop recruiter was my pimp.
In the early 80s, after I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy and did a short stint as a jet mechanic in the civil service, I was lucky enough to have my brother Pete help me get a job as an entry-level draftsman. I had no experience except for a couple of drafting classes in high school.
Being a cold war veteran seemed to help as the nation was in a cold war with Russia and China at that time, and technology in Silicon Valley was centered around national defense and homeland security. Major industries thriving in the valley were satellite communications because of president Ronald Reagan’s Star Wars agenda. Technology in satellites to detect incoming ballistic threats and the ability to shoot them down. Significant companies like Lockheed and FMC were buzzing with work and money to burn that trickled down to the smaller companies in their support. It was easy at that time to find a job.
At the same time, the Internet was being developed as a means of electronic communication between military installations and missile silos. That’s how I remember it began. Eventually, this technology was adopted for public use as an open source for the private sector to expand and flourish. This started the Dot-Com boom. First, there were intercompany communications thru email, then intercommunications thru modems for home-to-work communications. Then private domains like AOL (America On-Line) and Netscape for online social communications thru email. Eventually, major retail companies expanded to shopping online, and all hell broke loose, and the Dot-Com boom turned into the big bang like a tsunami.
As the Dot-Com tsunami was beginning to pick up speed, the cold war ended. The Iron Curtain between East and West Germany was being torn down, and the Soviet Union was breaking into different republics. This was in 1991, and it seemed that Reagan won the competition to see who could outdo the other technology-wise. So many of the defense-related tech companies started cutting back as the money dried up from Uncle Sam. Work was becoming more competitive. To stay alive in this industry, you must adapt to change or get left behind.
Engineering drafting design was also changing, migrating from drawing on the drafting table to drawing on the computer with CAD, Computer-Aided Design. The most popular program was Autocad. Some of the old-time designers didn’t like computers and refused to change. Which reinforced the adage at the time “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Many were set in their ways where they were more proficient and comfortable. Not me; I loved computers.
I must admit it was slow going at first, and it would take longer to create a drawing on CAD than it did to draw it manually. There was a rift between old-time designers and young new engineers who claimed that CAD would someday do away with the need for drafters and designers. This pissed some old-timers off because you're talking about their livelihood. Being a younger guy enthusiastic about learning how to use computers, I didn’t mind all the chatter. I kept to myself and learned as I went along to see how things turned out. I would say to the old-timers, “what better person to create drawings on the computer than the draftsman and designers themselves? That turned out to be so true.
There’s more to engineering drawings than just knowing how to draw engineering sketches on a PC. Drawing standards are set so companies can communicate effectively with the U.S. government and other countries. There are drawing standards for machinists and fabricators as well. The bottom line is to achieve proper engineering communications, so instructions are understood clearly, and everyone is on the same page. You couldn’t just throw everything on a drawing and expect everyone to read your mind on how to build something. Most engineers were frustrated because all they wanted to do was engineer something, so they left the drawing standards to the designers and drafters, and that’s how things turned out in the industry. So, the collaboration between engineering and design continued.
An ESTABLISHED CULTURE: With a reputation for hi-tech Silicon Valley continues to amaze the world with creative innovations. Where other parts of the country are known for steelworkers, auto workers, and so on, Silicon Valley is known for its hi-tech culture and attracts some of the brightest tech professionals from around the world. Companies establish businesses here to tap into that resource. It's phenomenal how this valley continues to culture an environment of cutting-edge technology.
Living in this culture, you can feel the innovative synergy encompassing the entire San Francisco Bay Area. This inventive spirit comes from a proud history of entrepreneurial growth. Many of the locals claim it originated out of Stanford University with student entrepreneurs like Hewlett & Packard, the Varian brothers, and Jay Watkins of Watkins & Johnson. These entrepreneurs ventured out into the valley starting garages and eventually establishing multimillion-dollar business campuses. Palo Alto, the city that surrounds Stanford University, boasts about the famous garages where Apple and Google got their start. Facebook corporate headquarters is located right next door in Menlo Park, and Tesla is across the bay in Fremont, both within the boundaries of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley truly is the high-tech capital of the world and I'm glad to have been a part of it.
ABOUT ME: Native-born Californian raised in Silicon Valley. I'm an accomplished Technical Design Specialist with a background in R&D. Instrumental in developing solutions to complex design problems. I have had many years of success in product development, conceptual design, vendor fabrication, and manufacturing.
I have the technical skills and experience to understand any engineering design situation quickly. I add value through innovative thinking and problem solving and am comfortable throughout the entire spectrum of the R&D process. My experience extends from conceptual brainstorming to the manufacturing process and product release to market and customers.
The diversity of my experience emanates from various company disciplines, for example, in the semiconductor industry, where I have worked as a design drafter on many phases of capital equipment design, from robotics in the front-end phases and test equipment to final production chip design at the end phase. Medical body scanners, non-evasive laser surgery systems and devices, and biotech equipment designs for pharmaceutical production. Satellite systems communications for homeland security and counter-measure systems for military defense. The space flight equipment used on space shuttle missions at NASA AMES Research center’s life sciences department. I specialize in overall systems design, reverse engineering, NPI new product integration, manufacturing, and sustaining engineering. I have dabbled in Civil Engineering infrastructures, mechanical HVAC and P&IDs, and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams. If you work in Silicon Valley long enough, you will be exposed to different technologies and gradually evolve with new scientific discoveries and technology. The most treasured asset to a company in the tech industry is a tech-workers knowledge and experience.
So grateful for the opportunity to learn and accumulate so many hi-tech skills. It has taken me 3+ decades to amass these capabilities. Valuable experience with computer competence continuously evolves through the ages as technology improves. My proficiency has grown to a professional extent with confidence.
With these computer skills, I was fortunate to cross over to different working environments. The diversity of my experiences spans from working for military defense, semiconductor fabrication and equipment companies, medical devices and capital equipment, civil engineering companies, and even solar thermal and high-end home renovations. Thru each working environment, my computer skills were a blessing to adapt in the direction of my responsibilities to fulfill company needs and requirements.
Even though I experienced much stress, anxiety, depression, and humility, I was fortunate enough to learn new skills, gain more knowledge, and acquire valuable experience. Real wealth is in Knowledge gained, which can never be taken away from you.
UX Design & Research:
- Qualitative & Quantitative Analytics
- Balsamiq - Wireframes app
- Axure RP - UX prototype building app
- Codepen - Front End development, HTML5, CSS3, Javascript
- Adobe Dreamweaver , Web Design, HTML,CSS, Javascript
Technical Publications:
- Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator
- Digital Graphic Illustrations
- Animated Gifs
- Artwork, Labels, Clip art
- Technical Manuals
- Marketing Literature
- Product Specification Sheets
- Technical Publications
- Document Control Management
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
CAD-Engineering:
Solidworks - CAD program- Autodesk AutoCAD - CAD program
- Autodesk Inventor Professional - CAD program
- ProEngineer (earlier version 2000i) - CAD program
- CAD - Solid Modeling
- CAD - Mechanical Design
- CAD - Electrical Design
- CAD - 3D Printing
- Mechanical Conceptual Layout
- Mechanical Design Retrofits
- Mechanical Design for Vendor Fabrication
- Mechanical Assembly & BOMs (Bill of Materials)
- Site Planning, Capital Equipment Placement
- Electrical Schematics and interconnect Diagrams
- Electrical PCB Design and list of components
- Electrical Harness Assembly Fabrication
CAD-Architectural:
- CAD - Chief Architect , residential floor plans and renovations
- CAD - Autocad
- Site Planning, Capital Equipment Placement
- Infrastructure BIM: Building Information Management
- Infrastructure P&ID: Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams for Building Sites
- Infrastructure Vendor Instrumentation Research-Development, and Design Implementation
- Infrastructure Piping Drawings for Building Sites and Roadways
- Infrastructure Structural Construction drawings
- Infrastructure HVAC: Heating, Venting, & Air Conditioning Drawings for Building Sites
- Infrastructure Electrical Conduit Schematic Diagrams / Drawings for Building Sites and Roadways
As I reflect over the years working as a contractor, I had my fill of stress, politics, and discrimination. Not all was bad; I also had my share of good times, friendships, and, most importantly, gaining experience that stayed with me throughout my career. Knowledge is like education; it can never be taken away from you.
Layoffs were dreadful early in my career; as I progressed and gained more knowledge and experience, I had no fear of release, knowing that I had the skills and training to land another job. Sometimes I looked at layoffs as taking a break or a chance for vacation and relaxation. I didn’t fear finding another job until I needed the income.
My senior years were a bit more challenging, experiencing discrimination towards my age. Companies would hire young entry-level candidates for less pay than an old-timer like myself.
In Silicon Valley, you're considered a dinosaur after age 40. Nevertheless, I treated each contract assignment that ended as an opportunity and a notch on my pistol barrel shooting for the next project. I looked forward to the next working adventure.
SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE:
July 2019 to present Honolulu BohemianMoved to the Honolulu Arts District - Chinatown, to pursue my passion for the digital arts as an artist-designer, and continue my research in behavioral graphics communications. Was approved by the Hawaiian Arts & Performing Arts committee for an art studio lease at the Chinatown Artists lofts and granted by the Board of Directors Kim Taylor Reese for participation in the Mark's Garage art exhibitions and the First Friday Events on Hotel Street. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, productivity was hindered with economic set backs, and is just now starting to come back., summer 2021.
Freelance Digital DesignerAPR 2018 - July 2019
Vallejo California
Every now and then, companies that I have worked for would call me for work on small jobs,
including Medical Artwork, Animated Gifs, Event Flyers, Logos, Clip Art, and Home renovations. Lately I have not been called for work since January of 2020 and I can only presume it's because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As a designer at biotech pharmaceutical companies it was my responsibility to create product handling labels to meet industry regulations conforming to FDA and GMPs requirements. I also produced packing and shipping labels to meet international standards of foreign countries.
At manufacturing companies my responsibilities have included creating artwork for product serial number name plates, safety handling, and hazardous materials, to name a few, and product labels that direct proper operational application.
DRB Homes
Dec 2017 - APR 2018
CAD Artist, architectural-residential designer
Location: Alamo California
Assisted team with residential designs, renderings, and floor plans for high end residential renovations.
Drawings were created with CAD program Chief Architect.
Heliodyne Inc. (Solidworks, Autocad, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver)
Mar 2016 – Oct 2017
Engineering Design & Documentation Specialist
Location: Richmond California
Oversee and organize subsystem level activities.
Develop and design precision system weldment frames, sheet metal panels and brackets, and electronic control system assemblies.
Design and develop plumbing and piping diagrams and assemblies.
Work with Solidworks CAD in the design of assemblies.
Prepare design documentation including drawings, models, specifications and production release documents.
Create, approve, revise and maintain design documentation.
Develop and recommend alternative design approaches.
Identify product development innovations and develop, quote, and implement solutions to meet technical requirements and requests.
Assist in the vendor selection / evaluation process.
Assist sales department with technical publications and data specification information.
Maintained installation and service manuals.
Work with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign in the design of wiring diagrams, labels, spec sheets and manuals. Create, Update,and maintain BOMs, new parts, assemblies and sub-assemblies using the FishBowl database program.
CAD Contractor:
- 9-2015 to 3-2016
Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. – Fairfield CA
On contract assignment providing drafting support on the HTWTP Harry Tracy Water Treatment Plant, for the city of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, PUC. Updated over 100+ drawings to an As-Built condition, some minor changes and some major; Design-Drafting
support incorporating redline changes on seismic study improvement upgrades, structural retrofits, HVAC mechanical retrofits, piping plans,lighting schematics, electrical schematics, instrumentation diagrams and P&ID updates. In the 6 months I worked at Kiewit I learned so much about civil engineering and the San Francisco Harry Tracy Water Treatment Plant and why San Francisco is known for the best water in the nation.
- 8-2015 to 9-2015
Cost Plus World Market Corporate HQ, Oakland CA
Short term contract assignment for the Visual Merchandising group. Implemented Home Relay upgrades on 79 stores selected for special projects; Determined analytical solutions for integration of new fixture displays within existing Autocad store floor plans.
- 2-2015 to 6-2015
Sanovas, San Rafael CA,
Assigned to multiple departments for visual graphic design support; Worked in marketing to produce product literature and conceptual marketing artwork; Supported Compliance and Regulatory generating product labels and operating instructions; Worked directly with CEO creating visual artwork for patent submissions; Worked directly in engineering developing CAD drawings and documentation.
Managed the CAD Vault for drawing and technical publications database storage.
- 1-2015 to 2-2015
Versa Engineering, Concord CA
Temporary 1099 contract work for oil refinery facilities upgrades working on source controlled spec-sheet research and updates for P&IDs'.
- 9-2014 to 11-2014
Planet Pharma Staffing Agency @ Biomarin, Novato CA
Temporary assignment to help reduce backlog of P&IDs' drawings for the facilities department. Biomarin, Novato. On the facilities side I helped the teams responsible for new equipment placements and environment safety requirements with drafting support.
- 2-2014 to 9-2014
On Disability: Went under the knife for corrective back surgery. Did not fully recover back to normal, but able to work with restrictions..
- 8-2013 to 1-2014
R&D Technical @ Therma Flite, Benicia CA
Helping engineering department catch up on drawings backlog using Solidworks and Autocad.
RF BIOCIDICS, Vacaville CA (Autodesk Inventor Professional 2012 & Autocad 2012)
Senior Designer, Played a major role of a dynamic design team in the development of RF and Microwave systems designed for disinfections (pasteurization) and disinfestation of food products.
- Responsibilities included conceptual design layouts for full system cabinet fabrication and complete engineering documentation release for product manufacturing.
- Responsible for materials evaluations and selection mostly aluminum alloys 6061 for tubing and machined parts 1100, 5052 for sheet metal panels and enclosures. Some SST 304 & 316 for continuously moving parts. Used various polymers like Delrin, ABS, and Teflon for non-conductive parts and tooling fixtures.
- Some simple FEA evaluations for stress on modeled parts. Incorporating mass properties and running calculations on the Inventor CAD program. Collaborated with mechanical systems engineer.
APPLIED MATERIALS, Fairfield, CA (Solidworks 2008 & Autocad 2008)
Contract Mechanical Cad Designer
Developer of large-scale industrial glass-coating equipment. Supported core business by collaborating with colleagues in design of capital equipment. Created conceptual layouts from engineering design reviews. Facilitated engineering changes and upgrades to existing systems by providing design drafting expertise.
- Completed conceptual design layouts for retrofit upgrade to an existing industrial glass coating assembly.
- Made key contribution to critical system upgrade by supplying design drawings and technical publications support.
- Responsible for materials evaluations and selection SST 304 & 316 and aluminum alloy 6061 for machined parts 1100 series and 5052 aluminum for sheet metal panels, brackets, and enclosures.
- Collaborated with mechanical engineer for FEA evaluations on stress and thermal expansion on modeled parts. Incorporated mass properties and ran calculations on Solidworks Cosmos program.
2006 to 2008ACCURAY INCORPORATED, Sunnyvale, CA (Solidworks 2008 & Autocad)
Mechanical CAD Designer ECO Processor
Manufacturer of ground-breaking radio surgery medical technologies. Contributed to ongoing refinement of company’s robotic radio surgery product by writing and incorporating engineering change orders (ECOs) for new product integration of precision patient-positioning system. Created assembly and fabrication drawings for next system upgrade improvements.
- Collaborated with colleagues in Physics Department to create conceptual layouts and completed design for laser image-calibration tool projects.
- Facilitated engineering upgrades to existing systems by integrating new designs for mounting support retrofits for electronic control system devices.
- SITE PLANNING: With new customer orders the Site Planning team would prepare plans to integrate new system installments at the customer site. It was my responsibility research customer facility sites for existing floor plans and create new drawings with integrated new system installation. I developed conceptual layouts for engineering review and equipment placement floor plans, elevation, plumbing, and electrical drawings.
2003 to 2006
Took the time off to spend quality time with my mother who was diagnosed with cancer.
2001 to 2003
GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, San Francisco, CA (CoCreate Solid Designer, Solidworks)
Mechanical CAD Designer
Leading developer of full body scanners, x-ray imaging, medical diagnostic, and biopharmaceutical technologies. (Now GE Healthcare).Transformed engineering design reviews into conceptual layouts. Provided drafting support for engineering changes and upgrades to existing systems.
- Contributed conceptual design layouts for oil-free system electron beam assembly.
- Facilitated upgrade to existing system by created conceptual layouts and completed machine drawings for electron beam assembly retrofit.
- Drafting documentation was created in CoCreate Solid Designer / engineering analysis documentation-FEA was created in Solidworks Cosmos. Used Autocad on occasion for facilities layouts, assembly and test instructions when needed.
GENUS TECHNOLOGIES, Sunnyvale, CA (Pro-Engineer 2000i)
Mechanical CAD Designer
Developer of Chemical Vapor Deposition and Atomic Layer Deposition Systems for the Semiconductor industry .Supported core business by collaborating with colleagues in the design of CVD and ALD capital equipment. Created conceptual layouts from engineering design reviews. Facilitated engineering changes and upgrades to existing systems by providing design drafting expertise.
- Completed conceptual design layouts for innovative Vapor Deposition mixed gas chambers and gas manifold assemblies.
- Made key contribution to new product integration upgrades by supplying design layouts, contributing research and development of new technology, and interfacing and working with vendors and suppliers.
SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGIES, Sunnyvale, CA (Pro-Engineer 2000i & Autocad)
Designer/Drafter – Technical Specialist
Developer of Integrated Diagnostic and Tester Systems for the Semiconductor industry.
Provided drafting and design support for new product development of integrated diagnostic systems using e-beam technology.
- Completed conceptual design layouts and standard drafting support for innovative diagnostic systems assemblies and tester equipment for back end semiconductor development.
- Made key contribution to new product integration upgrades by supplying design layouts, contributing to R&D of new technology, and interfacing and working with vendors and suppliers.
- Supported calibration tools design for systems using laser opto-mechanics, for measurement diagnostics on a high precision air suspension test bench.
- Responsible for materials evaluations and selection SST 304 & 316 and aluminum alloy 6061 for machined parts and frame weldments, 1100 series and 5052 aluminum for sheet metal panels, brackets, and enclosures. Various polymers for non-conductive parts and tooling fixtures.
LORAL FAIRCHILD, Milpitas, CA (Autocad)
Contractor - Designer/Drafter
Design support for the product development of infrared camera surveillance systems for commercial and military defense use.
- Provided design and drafting support for existing infrared camera surveillance systems and industrial camera optics systems.
- Made key contribution in the design of enclosures and brackets, machined parts, and cable harness assemblies, Overall assembly production release.
LOCKHEED LIFE SCIENCES @ NASA Ames Res Ctr, Moffet Field CA (Autocad)
Contractor - Designer/Drafter
Provided drafting and design support for experimental space flight project equipment.
- Provided design and standard drafting support for space flight project requirements for various customer country requirements from Japan, Germany, and the United States.
- Made key contribution to new product development of equipment centered on scientific experimental projects. Created fixtures, rack and panel assembly modifications, power supplies, control units, cooling systems, UPS, and related cable harness assemblies. Created transport design support in rodent cage carriers, equipment shipping containers, and specialized ground support equipment and adapters.
- Responsible for generating periodic updates of the department design drafting manuals and procedures fully integrated with DoD-STD-100/1000 drawing requirements and ANSI Y14.5 standards.
WATKINS JOHNSON & VARIAN, Palo Alto, CA (Autocad & Manual drawing)
Contractor - Designer/Drafter
Joint Military Defense project between Watkins Johnson and Varian. Provided drafting and design support for Satellite Communications systems.
- Provided design and standard drafting support for Signal Gun assemblies, TWT assemblies, and related power sources Satellite systems.
- Manual PCB design support of multi layer power supply board assemblies.
- Made key contribution to new product design by supplying drafting layouts, contributing to R&D of new technology, and working with vendors and suppliers.
Teledyne CME, San Jose, CA (Autocad & Manual drawing by hand)
Drafter
Military Defense project, provided drafting and design support for Airborne and Ship launched countermeasure equipment.
- Designed potting molds for high voltage RTV units.
- Made key contribution to new product development, and electronic packaging.
- Light manual PCB design support of analog and digital multi layer board assemblies.
1981 to 1982
Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF), Naval Air Station Alameda, CA
Aircraft Power plant Mechanic
Depot level, full aircraft engine breakdowns and rebuilds for the US Navy. The day after my honorable discharge from the Navy I was hired as a temp worker for the civil service. I only worked for one year and did not pursue permanent employment. I didn't want to be a grease monkey.
I often joke in conversations about how I went to junior college for 30 years. I've never stopped going to school. Even to this day, I take classes or look for courses online. I caught the learning bug after completing my service in the US Navy. Working full-time during the day, I could only take classes part-time in the evenings, which reinforces my joke about 30 years. Now in my twilight years, I spend much time online. Every day is a learning experience; I’m either honing my skills with computer programs or reading articles and viewing videos I can learn from.
It's better than reading a book and learning something daily, keeping your brain in gear, preventing dementia, and keeping my yard and spirit forever young. Now, if only it were that easy for my aging body, I would have found the fountain of youth, but that's another story. I'll probably never stop learning until the day I die. I'm not Einstein, but I'm happy with what I know now and that I can do many things most people can't.
I hope this inspires others never to stop learning.
EDUCATION:
2021edX classes online. HTML5 and UX Design courses on line.
Online courses offered are from well know universities across the nation and abroad.
2013
UC Berkeley extension San Francisco California - 2013
Post Baccalaureate Programs in pursuit of UX-UI design
2009-2010
LearniT Computer Traning Center & SFSU downtown off campus center, 2009 – 2010
- Vocational skills training, Multimedia - WEB Design & Development Vocational job retraining program sponsored by the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Solano County. Funding for this program came from Federal Government stimulus money under President Obama.
- As an unemployed Navy Veteran the Veterans Affairs (VA) department contacted me for job retraining programs and I chose the WIB program among others that were available.
Activities and Societies: The Veterans Affairs department has been a great resource and blessing.
- The VA has contacted me every time I have been unemployed and provided me with information on vocational training programs, healthcare, starting a business, and financial assistance. The VA has consistently provided support when I needed it and for that I am forever grateful. Just one of the benefits of serving your country and the governments way of saying thank you.
1997-98 / 2005-07
University of San Francisco USF
2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA
Bachelor of Science, Organizational Behavior from the College of Professional Studies, received undergraduate degree in 2007.
- The course of study in Organizational Behavior at the college of professional studies program at USF was centered around researching and analyzing organizational dynamics. Taking a critical approach to understanding corporate business culture(s) and structure(s), and how and why they operate.
- Acquired skills in qualitative and quantitative methods of research, organizational assessment, diagnostic-analytics, implementation, evaluation, and design to assume leadership roles in organizational departmental development and management. Ideal for positions in program management as a director.
Mission Community College Santa Clara California part-time
General Education
1983-84
DeAnza College Cupertino California part-time
General Education
1982
Masters Institute Santa Clara California, Printed Circuit Board, PCB, design training
1981
Bay Valley Technical Institute Santa Clara California, Vocational Associate Certificate in electro-mechanical drafting.
In my turbulent teenage days, I got into much trouble. I was constantly drinking or getting high on marijuana. I was going nowhere fast, so I had to change and get out of this losing lifestyle. Tired of getting these dishwasher and warehouse jobs, I had no skills. Military service was my way out.
At first, being patriotic was not my goal. I wanted to learn a skill so I could get a decent job. I was lucky enough to get a duty station so close to home at the Naval Air Station Alameda, AIMD (Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Division), just by requesting it. I joined the Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate (Jet Engine Mechanic). As I said, I was just interested in learning a skill. I did well in making the grade. I made it to E5-2nd Class Petty Officer in 3 years. It turns out I was a terrible mechanic even though I did well with the books and taking the P.O. exams.
What the military taught me was teamwork. We all had to work together to make it through. Living in that environment, you develop a sense of appreciation and trust in your fellow sailors and great pride as a part of a team and an American. The military straightened me out and was like a second father to me. If I could do it again, I would go to sea and have a military career. I often thought of going back, and I should think, but now I am humbled and honored to have served and proud to be a veteran.
MILITARY SERVICE:
1977 - 1981 Active Service / 82-83 ReservesU.S.Navy Veteran - Honorable Discharge Aviation Machinist Mate, PO2-ADJ (E5) Petty Officer 2nd Class (E5) Aviation Machinist Mate specializing in intermediate maintenance of jet aircraft engines and helicopter power plants. Last attached to AIMD and the HS-85 Antisubmarine Warfare Reconnaissance Squadron.
- I entered into the Navy as a jet mechanic and received basic aviation fundamentals training at NAS Millington training command, Tennessee.
- Reassigned to NAS North Island CA for addition helicopter power plants and flight deck training. Specialized training on the GE T58 power plant for Sikorsky helicopters SH60 Navy helicopters and H3 Marine helicopters.
- Reassigned to NAS Alameda AIMD in support of the HS85 Anti-Submarine warfare reconnaissance squadron.
- Received addition training on the T56-A-10 for the P3 Orion military aircraft.
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