Technology: My Background - Prior to NTLS

My Background

I grew up in Preble County and attended Lanier for Jr. High. I graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1985 and began my college education at Duke University, where I completed my freshman and sophomore years. I then transferred to Miami University, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Analysis and a focus in Operations Research.

I attended college on a U.S. Air Force ROTC scholarship and was named Top Graduate of the Miami University AFROTC program. While attending Miami, I also worked as a programmer for Dayton Power & Light, and was hired by NCR as a systems analyst prior to my Air Force activation.

Air Force Career

In the fall of 1990, during the buildup of Operation Desert Shield, I was called to active duty service in the US Air Force. I attended pilot training at Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training in Wichita Falls, Texas and graduated in 1991.

After graduating I elected to serve as a T-37 instructor pilot. I completed Pilot Instructor Training at Randolph AFB, TX, graduating as Top Graduate, and went to instruct at Vance AFB, OK.

It was during these years as an instructor that I discovered my love for teaching. In 1996, I received the Vance AFB T-37 Instructor of the Year Award, and was given the opportunity to select my next assignment. I chose to fly with Air Force Special Operations Command, transitioning to thee MH-53M Pave Low Helicopter.

The Pave Low was a special operations aircraft used primarily for infiltration and exfiltration of Special Forces in denied territory. I served as an Aircraft Commander with the 20th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) at Hurlburt Field, Florida, flying missions worldwide until the summer of 2000.

Combat Operations & Education

During my time with the 20th SOS, I flew missions in Kuwait (Operation Desert Thunder) and in Kosovo (Operation Allied Force). While Kosovo was one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever flown, it was also fraught with danger—landmines, snipers, and combat zones.

Amidst the demands of special operations flying, I earned my Master’s Degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University.

Following the birth of our third son, I knew it was time to change direction. In May 2000, I took my FINI Flight (final flight) with the active duty Air Force and returned home to Ohio.

Reserve Duty & Transition to Education
I continued my service as a Reserve C-141 Aircraft Commander with 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB , flying global missions in support of national interests.

Shortly afterward, I was activated again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying missions to Italy, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania, among others.

Return to Civilian Life

During my final activation, I discovered an opportunity to combine my love for teaching and technology as the Technology Director and a classroom teacher at National Trail Local Schools.

In April 2004, I officially transitioned from active reserve duty and returned to civilian life full-time, beginning my service to the NTLS community.

I retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in December 2017, with 28 years of combined active and reserve military service.

Last modified: Thursday, July 10, 2025, 11:34 AM