Harrison Reynolds Picard PE was born February 5th , 1943 in Burlington, Vermont. He graduated from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Commission in the United States Army Reserve. He served on active duty as Tank Platoon Leader and Tank Company Executive Officer with the 1st Battalion, 81st Armor at Fort Worth, Texas and as a Tank Platoon Leader, Tank Company Executive Officer, and Tank Battalion Support Leader with the 1st Battalion, 69th Armor in Vietnam. His military decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Air Medal. Upon completing his active duty obligation he began his civilian career working for Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford Connecticut as a Design Engineer. He contributed to the design and development of the PW2037 (F117), PW4000, F119, F135, and geared fan series of engines. He holds four US patents in high speed bearing and seal design and lubrication system design. He retired from Pratt & Whitney in 2007 as Design Chief for Mechanical Systems and Senior Fellow for Mechanical Systems Design. He was licensed to practice Engineering in Connecticut in 1978 and in Vermont in 2007/ He consults on design and development of bearings, seals, related materials, and associated mechanical devices. He is a Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Sons of Colonial Wars and Sons of the American Revolution. He holds a Commercial Pilots License with Instrument Rating.