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Since '79, I've enjoyed a long career in the US Air Force both as an enlisted member and an officer. During my enlisted time I worked on Lockheed Jetstars, Saberliner CT-39's and finished up on the Douglass DC-9 or C-9A Nightingale. During this time I flew more than 1000 hours and traveled most of the western Eurpoean countries, Scandinavian countries, lots of places in Canada, Greenland and most states. I was unfortunately forced to retired before I could make Colonel due to a medical condition but had an incredible time working on aircraft then as a commissioned officer winding up as the commander of a maintenance squadron doing things that had never been. We operated DC-9's and 737-700Next Gen.'s. No complaints.
While on active duty, I finished school at Parks College of St. Louis University with a B.S. in Aeronautics, a professional pilot degree, an aircraft maintenance degree and all of my pilot ratings through Airline Transport Pilot, all flight and ground instructor ratings and my airframe and powerplant mechanics certificates. It was a very busy time. I left active duty to fly for an airline, one of Eastern Airlines regionals. I was based in Miami and commuted back to St. Louis. Been there, done that and got the badge. I'm glad it's over. Once Eastern ceased operations I did an extended active duty tour with the Reserves during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and worked as a Chief Flight Instructor for the local college which is when I also pursued my commission. I wound up teaching at FlightSafety International, the largest provider of pilot, flight attendant and maintenance training in the world for two years on the Swearingen SA-227 and SA-226 aircraft before finally ending up with the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, as an Operations Inspector.
I received ratings on the Swearingen SA-227, BE-400/MU-300, NA-265 as well as the G-V and ERJ-170/190 aircraft. Two years ago I accepted a new position within the FAA working exclusively on the management of FlightSafety training certificate. I provide oversight and manage the Gulfstream G-V/G-550, the Embraer ERJ-170/190 and Saberliner NA-265 training and checking programs. Because of these aircraft I spend alot of time in Savannah, GA, Farnborough, UK, Paris, France, Wilmington, DE and of course St. Louis. I also travel and support other air carriers and assist with pilot certification, accident investigation and whatever else is needed.
Somewhere along the line I found the time to get married and now have four kids. Tommy Jr,21 a junior whose double majoring in Mechanic and Aerospace Engineering at the MO University of Science and Technology or Univ. MO Rolla as it used to be known.
I've missed all of the other reunions because I was either away with the military or with my civilian job. My new position has given me the opportunity to make this one and I'm really looking forward to it!
