Air Force career commenced as an aviation cadet, class 53B; exploring the basic aerodynamic characteristics of flying the T-6G’s at Bartow AB Florida. Primary followed at Perrin AFB Texas employing National Guard & “bone yard” recalled T-6B/C’s. Next, on to James Connelly AFB for jet training. Graduation arrived securing sorely sought, coveted silver wings.

As a newly minted 2nd Lieutenant, was selected for combat fighter training at Nellis AFB (Cobra Squadron) & introduced to the finest air combat fighter made at the time, the North American F-86E. As graduation neared, orders for Korea amended & the duty station changed to Geiger Field, Spokane Washington as a member of the Air Defense Command. Upon arrival, found 25 factory fresh F-86D’s on the ramp & no one yet assigned/qualified in the aircraft.

After a year of operations the squadron was deployed to Europe. Factory fresh F-86D’s were delivered to San Francisco for transport via the USS Tripoli to St. Nazaire France, & ferried to Landstuhl AFB. After 2 years of operations, multi-deployments to Tripoli Libya (rocketry), Adana Turkey, Soesterberg Holland, another squadron redeployment, to Erding AFB near Munich, he met future wife, a University of Washington graduate fashion designer, interrupting her European tour of fashion houses.

Returned to the ZI, as an F-86L instructor at Moody AFB. Promoted to captain & after two classes, attended Arizona State University (Bootstrap) for an Electrical Engineering degree. Subsequently assigned to Norton AFB as branch chief for ballistic missile re-entry vehicle test instrumentation. Promoted to major. Selected for the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk VA with a follow-on assignment to Udorn RTAFB Thailand as Tactical Air Control Center (Hemlock) shift chief/C-47 IP.

Returned to the Pentagon as Chief, Air Force Test Aircraft Assignment section, prototyping advanced weapons and munitions delivery systems. Promoted to lt. colonel and colonel. Earned a Master of Science degree at George Washington University.

Last duty station, Space and Missile Systems Organization, Los Angeles as space–based missile warning systems program Comptroller & later Director of Engineering, Defense Support Program. The culmination of an exceptionally rewarding & adventurous career. Currently, Flight Seven Captain, Order of Daedalians.