Judy Thogmartin:  

Life After high school.... I attended Grossmont for a few years, lived in an apartment in El Cajon and worked full time as a receiving clerk at U.S. General Coporation. In 1975, I wanted more... I joined the Air Force (see Military Biography) as an Air Traffic Controller. Was stationed in Japan for my entire enlistment. What a fantastic experience that was. Living in Japan and becoming involved in the aviation field was so exciting new and different. 4 years later...... Married, moved around the U.S with husbands job, came back to California, had my first son, Robert* (in 1979) and went back to work initially at Kaiser Hospital (preping patients for surgery) Yes, even those with Hernea operations. After transporting a few to the morgue, I realized the medical profession was not for me. In 1982..... I applied for a job as an Air Traffic Controller with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration not FFA, Future Farmers of America) I was hired just after Reagan fired all those Air Traffic Controllers that had gone out on strike. I became a "Radar Air Traffic Controller" telling pilots where to go. The first place I controlled airplanes was in Orange County, CA. In 1985, I was promoted and moved to San Diego to become one of the first female Air Traffic Controllers for San Diego. I went on to become the first Traffic Management Coordinator for San Diego. I worked closely with Los Angelas in metering traffic from San Diego to LAX. From there I was a Supervisor then Manager at Montgomery Airport. In 1987... I had a daughter named Jenna. Divorced in 1989. In 1995... I was promoted and moved to Sacramento as a Supervisor then on to Manager. I was the first female in Management in Sacramento. In 1997... I remarried another Supervisor Air Traffic Controller from San Diego. We built a home near the Sierra Foothills just east of Sacramento. What an opportunity being an Air Traffic controller has been. Before 9/11, we were allowed to fly in the cockpit in the jumpseat. It was considered training for us. I took many trips all across the U.S. and Europe. My biggest thrill was flying a T38 (from Beale Air Force Bas...Expand for more