After graduation from Purdue, I began an aviation career that spanned the next 42 years: 25 years in the Air Force and 17 years flying commercial aircraft. Upon earning my wings in pilot training, I flew F4s, then OV10s. For the last 17 years in the Air Force I piloted the F16, the most sophisticated fighter in the world at that time. Throughout my career I was stationed at 10 different US bases as well as 10 years overseas, doing tours in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. I was a Distinguished Graduate from Purdue ROTC, Squadron Officer School and Air Command and Staff College. While in the Air Force I completed Master's Degrees from University of Southern California in Systems Management and from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in National Resource Strategy. I held leadership positions including the ROTC Wing Commander at Purdue, Flight Commander, Operations Officer, Squadron Commander, and lastly, Group Commander, in which I was responsible for 10 Squadrons which were composed of over 200 F16s, 400 pilots, and 1800 maintenance personnel. This amounted to assets valued at over $6 billion in aircraft and approximately $3.5 billion in support equipment. I oversaw an annual operating budget of over $300 million. After retiring from the Air Force, I flew for Southwest Airlines. Following the events of 9/11, I volunteered for the Federal Flight Deck Officer program which authorized me to be armed while flying to protect the cockpit, the aircraft and passengers. I currently live in Glendale, AZ, and have been married for 47 years to the girl I met in the kindergarten Sunday School sandbox. We have two children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. My hobbies include mountain biking, car building, and target shooting.