Ed grew up in East Norriton, PA and is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a BS degree in aero engineering with a concentration in electrical engineering. Early in his career, Ed worked as an electrical systems and test engineer for aerospace companies involved with defense and space exploration including Rocketdyne and General Dynamics. Ed was a launch officer in Ausable Forks, N.Y. for the Atlas ICBM during the Cuban missile crisis. He was also on the launch crew at the Kennedy Space center during the late 1960s working as a senior electrical engineer for Grumman Aerospace and Chrysler in supporting the Saturn and Apollo moon rocket programs. As part of the launch crew, Ed was responsible for checkout of the LEM abort guidance system used on the first manned lunar landing. He vividly recalls seeing the astronauts that day on their way to the moon rocket and experiencing the thunderous launch from the Saturn V pad in 1969. Ed received several awards during his aerospace career, including Project Sterling Award for engineering excellence and CARE Achievement Award for outstanding accomplishments in aerospace technology. Later in his career, Ed traveled the world for business working in the power, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. He now resides at his beach home in Port St Joe Florida where he enjoys retirement serving volunteer organizations and traveling, as well as keeping fit by hiking, swimming and biking.