William Neal, Jr.:  

First, let me say that I am not sure if I would be remembered by that many people from Heights. Especially after 40 years! I lived on the West side of Wichita until the 9th grade. My parents bought a house on North Amidon near 29th street and I went to Pleasant Valley for my last year of Junior High. Other than classes, hall gatherings, members of the gymnastic team, involvement with drama activities, and a few other friends, I spend a lot of my after school time with my cousin and the friends I grew up with on the West side of town. As for dating, back then I looked like Ernie from My Three Sons and was pretty shy except when trying to be funny. (I do remember Ronda - not just the song by the Beach Boys.) My wife, who I dated and married, did not go to Heights. I was on the Gymnastics Team all 3 years, Lettered, and share the motel room at the State Championship with Allen Bruke, Mike Wharton and Willone Eubanks,) Prior to Graduation, Mike Wharton, Gary Tillman and I had planned to join the Navy together. However, Mike graduated early and joined at mid-semester. Gary chicken out - I mean changed his mind. So, in September of 1970 I joined the Navy. After training and school in Tennessee and Florida, I was stationed to a jet squadron in Beeville, TX. (About 60 miles from Corpus Christi, TX) It was a great experience. Although my main job dealt with statistical data and then working in a new human resource management department; I learned to play and love golf; got to fly in, and fly, an A-4 fighter (Including landing and taking off a carrier in the gulf - USS Lexington.) More importantly, I met and shared some great work and life experiences with some wonderful people. I was awaken so to speak and discovered a much greater love and joy for learning. After the service I came back to Wichita and I started at Wichita State. I attended for 2 years (1975 to 1977) and then there was a break of a few years after my divorce. (During the first 2 years of college I worked in the afternoons for a large law firm downtown. In fact, I was walking over to the 1st National Bank at Douglas and Main when the shooting started from the top of the Holiday Inn.) I returned to WSU in 1982 and graduated in 1984 with a B.A. (Major: Pol. Sci.; Minor: Econ. & Hist.) During that last 2 years I had the opportunity to meet and work for Ben Foster, the Speaker of the Kansas House of Representives. I had applied and was accepted to law school at Washburn in Topeka, University of Texas, University of Missouri and Pepperdine University in California. I had decided to go to Pepperdine. I paid my registration fee and received my first year class schedule. However, before I paid my first year tuitiion (Wow!) and the day before I was to leave for California, I changed my mind and took the seat I had held at Washburn. I attended Washburn University School of Law from 1984 until graduation in 1987. Took the Kansas Bar in July, "Passed" and was admitted in September 1987. In November of 1987 I accepted a position at KOCH Industries. (Well, accepted an offer after I had submitted my undergraduate and law school transcripts, letters and 3 interviews) Great corporation, hey...Expand for more