Edward Sanderson:
CLASS OF 1966
Glenbard West High SchoolClass of 1966
Glen ellyn, IL
Indianola Junior High SchoolClass of 1961
Columbus, OH
Queen Bee Elementary SchoolClass of 1961
Glendale heights, IL
Indianola Alternative Elementary SchoolClass of 1959
Columbus, OH
Medary Elementary SchoolClass of 1959
Columbus, OH
Edward's Story
Life
Joined the Navy Aug '69 after I rec'd my draft notice and stayed for 20 years. Retired from the Navy in '89 in the DC area. I was married and divorced and had two girls from that marriage. Found my soul mate in '87 married her in '91. Sandi & I have four children between us and eight grandchildren and now...one great granddaughter! We now live in Melbourne, FL. I retired in the spring of '14 - finally.
I have been in touch with many high school friends and classmates friends since joining Classmates. It has been great getting in touch again!
Workplace
Summer job during HS was at Racine Chicago Engr Corp, a fluid power industry company. After HS I worked three years while attending college. When the draft finally called my name I joined the Navy. At the end of my first Navy enlistment the job market around the Chicago area was not the best so I decided to stay for a career. Best thing I ever did.
I was in aviation and was an air crewman for many of my Navy years including 8 years as a Rescue Swimmer - probably the thing I am most proud of that I did in the Navy. We trained hard so we could accomplish rescues of all kinds usually is adverse conditions. I still stay in touch with several Shipmates from that part of my Navy experience. I crewed in several helicopters including the UH-1N, HH-46A, and SH-3HG From helicopters, I went to the A-3 Skywarrior (nickname was the Whale), the largest carrier based aircraft ever. What a blast my last flying tour was in the Whale. My last tour was with the Navy's aviation acquisition activity, Naval Air Systems Command. I had fun and enjoyed the challenges of Navy life.
After retiring from active duty in '89 I continued to work for the Navy supporting the Naval Aviation Training Programs for A/C Launch & Recovery Equipment, Aircraft Firefighting & Rescue, Aerial Targets & Decoys, Tactical Ranges, Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles, Air Traffic Control, various aviation trades, H-60 & H-1 Helos, F/A-18, P-3, and the Army's AH-64 Apache Helicopter. My primary roll for 12 years was to identify trainin...Expand for more
g & manpower requirements for new or changed systems, procure curriculum, trainers, and simulators, and evaluating training effectiveness.
The last twelve or so years I was involved with procuring & fielding aerial and ground targets and tactical decoys for the Navy that are used to test weapons and to train Naval forces in using those weapons effectively.
I helped a great team take a training target for our Naval Aviation community all the way from concept to fully operational from '05 to '12. I was in the process of finishing up all my Navy work so I could retire...again I was pulled back to work in March 2012, my planned retirement date. A fellow employee supporting the USMC H-1 helicopter program needed some help so, I volunteered (my wife was still working anyway). This project would be the perfect "bookend" to my work career. After my initial Navy schools I began my Navy working career as part of the Fleet Introduction Team for the UH-1N helicopter. So, 45 years later I closed out my working career with the H-1s again writing the Strategic Sustainment Plan for the AH-1W, UH-1Y, and the AH-1Z. Just over 45 years in, and working for, the Navy. I know I will miss it very much but, the next part of life begins!
What we are doing now?
We still live boating but for the time being, no boat even here in FL...for the time being.
We made the move to Melbourne, FL just in time for hurricane season. We had that in NC as well...so, no big deal.
Over the past couple years I have has some medical challenges but I'm healthy now minus my right leg. I'm a toddler again learning to walk with Bigfoot, my prosthetic leg! I'm truly blessed to be here today!
Sandi and I still have many places both inside and outside the good old US of A we have not seen and look forward to those travels. We're also planning repeat visits to great places like Bermuda and Aruba too! Much to look forward to and old friend to see along the way. Life goes on and we make changes.
So much for a relaxing retirement!
If we get close to any of you we will try to look you up!
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