RON
I was born in the little coal mining town of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, and was the middle child of five, with an older sister and brother and a younger brother and sister. I grew up in a very diverse culture which included Pennsylvania Dutch, Ukranians and Slovakians. My town was filled with friendly people and great food. I was a pretty good student, but enjoyed the "out of school" activities more!
Here I am with my best friend Pete. We have remained best friends to this day. Pete and his wife Barb even lived in our area for a few years. I have many great memories of the times we spent together.
After completing High School, I attended Kutztown State Teachers' College, now Kutztown University. I graduated in 3 1/2 years with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education majoring in Biology and with a minor in General Physical Science. My plan was to enter the Air Force for a tour of 4 years and then begin a teaching career. At that point, little did I know that the Air Force was to become a career, my first career! I spent 20 years in the Air Force and lived all over the world, with tours in California, Italy, Colorado, Germany, Idaho, Thailand and Maryland. I worked in munitions maintanence, with the JAG office, and, primarily, as an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) specialist. During this time in the Air Force, I completed my work and received a Master's Degree in Guidance, Psychology and Counseling.
After retirement from the Air Force, I finally began my second career, teaching Biology at Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland. (I have also retired from this career.) One of my favorite activities was to take the classes to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Here is a picture of one of my closest friends at the zoo. My favorite line is that I missed combat so much, that I had to enter the teaching field. Teaching 10th grade Biology is far more difficult than disarming bombs!
One of the benefits of teaching science was a wonderful trip we took to Acadia National Park in southern Maine. While there, we climbed mountains, studied geology, observed the flora and fauna of the area, and got to take a whale watching trip out in the Atlantic.
I have gotten very involved with the International Order of Job's Daughters. I have been the Associate Bethel Guardian for Bethels in Indian Head, Upper Marlboro and LaPlata. In May of 1997, I assumed the job of Associate Grand Guardian for the state of Maryland. This job kept me traveling all over the state. I made many great friends through the work with these girls and have become well known for my wierd sense of humor! The year finally ended in May of 1998. I really miss meeting with the Bethels around the state, but I do get to see most of my friends at various functions. 
But, my best job of all is that of Grandpa! Amielia, five years old, has taught this "old dog" a lot of new tricks. She has me completely wrapped around her little finger. Who else could con me out of M&Ms for breakfast!!! Amielia's brother, Trey, who is now two, is learning fast how to "train" Papa too! His winning smile and happy laugh sure brighten up the day. There is only one other thing that could take up my time..and that is my Old English Mastiff, Frodo. To see Frodo and his antics, click here!!