Bio

After graduating from GHS I attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS where I majored in Aerospace Engineering. I graduated in 1969 with my BS and MS and went back east to St. Louis, MO to work for McDonnell Douglas. I started in the aerodynamics department working on advanced design concepts. What was advanced in 1969 is now in production. After a few years I moved to a team called "Loads and Dynamics". Our team is responsible for defining the external loads so that the structure can be designed. We are involved in all phases of the aircraft, from definition of initial specifications, to design, and loads verification through ground and flight test. Although we support all of the tactical aircraft, most of my time has been on the major fighter programs, F-15 and F/A-18. In 1997 Boeing and McDonnell Douglas merged into The Boeing Company. We continue to support the tactical aircraft program in STL. In 2006 I got to spend a few days on the carrier Ronald Regan. It was a thrill to get to see our products in operation.
While the captain was below, I was in charge.		We walked onto the ship and got to catapult off when leaving.

We lived in Bridgeton, MO for most of our years in St. Louis. It was a city of about 18,000. I served on various boards and commissions over the years and then was elected to City Council where I served for 8 years before we moved to St. Charles, Mo. After we moved, I took an evening course in wood carving through adult education that was taught by members of the local carving club. It sparked my interest and I have been carving ever since. We often make a week trip to Nebraska for a carving seminar. I carve and Dale weaves baskets.