John Alger:
CLASS OF 1969
Lahser High SchoolClass of 1969
Bloomfield hills, MI
Embry - Riddle Aeronautical UniversityClass of 1973
Daytona beach, FL
Mason High SchoolClass of 1969
Mason, MI
John's Story
Life
Grew up in south-central Michigan near Lansing. Oldest of 6 kids. Some of you reading this will remember my brothers and sisters: Barb, Bob, Patricia, Jeff, Beverly. Attended Mason schools (grades K-2), Williamston (2-4), then back to Mason until the end of 10th grade (go Bulldogs!). Family moved to Bloomfield Hills where I graduated in 1969 from Lahser High. Attended Oakland Community College for one year, then transferred to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. After graduation, entered Navy flight training and got my wings in AUG 1974. Spent 10 years on active duty, mostly as a pilot, but changed to flight officer (NFO) last two years. Flew TA-4J, A-7E, EC-130Q. Spent another 15 years in the Navy Reserve, mostly flying as navigator on the P-3B. Retired from Navy Reserve April 1997. In 1988 became a Flight Crew Training Instructor for USAirways. National Director, past State President(PA and NC) and Council President (Pittsburgh PA and Charlotte NC councils) of the Navy League of the United States. I am also past National Chairman for the Navy League's youth program, the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and am a member of the board of directors of the USNSCC. Married to Joan Neiswander (also a 1969 Bloomfield Hills Lahser High grad) in 1972. Three children: Jennifer, Craig, and Kathryn plus 6 grandchildren: Paul, Jonathan, Alicia (Craig's); Megan, Brooke (Kathryn's); and Grant (Jenn's).
If you were in Boy Scout Troop 98 in Mason would love to hear from you. We had some great times there. Also, any of you aviators out there and former/current military.
School
Mason High School 1965-67
Bloomfield Hills Lahser High 1967-69
Oakland Community College 1969-70
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 1970-73 (BS Aeronautical Science)
University of Houston - Victoria TX 1984-1987 (2/3 of MBA)
College
Began business studies at Oakland Community College - not very into it. Decided to pursue aviation. Transferred to ERAU in Daytona Beach in 1970. Great place to go to school - was on academic probation about 1/4 of the time! Left with a BS in Aeronautical Science and about 260 hours of flight time (SEL-I).
After leaving active duty (Navy) in 1982, I began to work on an MBA degree with University of Houston, Victori...Expand for more
a TX. Mother died in middle of 87 Fall semester, took new job in Pittsburgh PA in summer of 88 so never got finished with it. 2/3 done. One of these days.
Used to hate history in high school and during my undergrad time. All I read now!!! Considering getting an MA in History then maybe a PhD. Not much demand for a brand, shiny new late-50's MBA anyway!!
Workplace
One of the lucky few I guess. Graduated (1973) with a degree in Aeronautical Science (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) and have worked in the aviation industry my entire career. Went right to Pensacola and began a career as a Naval Aviator, earning my wings in 1974. Spent most of my time as an advanced jet instructor flying the TA-4J "Skyhawk". Left active duty in 1982 and took a job as a contract flight simulator instructor back at my old training base. In 1988 I started with USAirways in Pittsburgh PA as a Flight Crew Training Instructor. I taught 737-200 aircraft systems and International Operations. In 2002 I transferred to our other training facility in Charlotte NC, teaching Airbus A-330 aircraft systems. In OCT2008 I became the Senior Instructor for the Airbus A320.
Now RETIRED!! After 30+ years working for USAir/American, I retired on 31OCT18.
Military
Entered the Navy Flight program in 1972 as an AVROC (Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate). Flight training at NAS Saufley, and NAS Chase (Beeville TX). Earned wings in AUG 74. Assigned as Advanced Jet Instructor VT-24 1974-1976 at NAS Chase Field, next came orders transferring me to the Training Department at NAS Chase as the Training Division Officer 1976-1979. Assigned to A-7 transition training at NAS Cecil (VA-174) 1979. Did not carrier qualify - so changed from pilot to NFO. Assigned to VQ-3 at NAS Agana Guam OCT 1980 - squadron moved to Barbers Point Hawaii in 1981. Left active duty in NOV 1982. Entered reserves in 1983 with Chief of Naval Air Training. Unit disbanded in 1984, transferred to VP-94 NAS New Orleans. Admin Officer and Maintenance Officer. Promoted out of flying billet in 1991. Volunteer Training Unit (non-pay), Pittsburgh PA 1991-1995. Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region 4 (Ft Dix NJ) 1995-96. Retired in April 1997 as Commander (O-5).
Major aircraft: TA-4J, A-7E, EC-130Q, P-3B
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos
