Donald Blanton:  

To prevent confusion, my last name was Dowling until my freshman year in High School as we went under our step-father's name. I attended Magnet Cove for 1st through 4th grade, the Lakeside for 5th-7th, and then Gainsville from 8th - 12th. Older brothers, James, Bill, Mitchell, Ricky, Nick, sister; Vikki. Younger brothers, Duke & Matthew. Wow - 2009 - I miss the 70s. High School - some of the best of times before the demands of a career and life begin to age us all. I am sadden by the number of people that have passed away in the years since high school and as the list grows, it sure makes one feel older and blessed. Post High school: first stop was US Navy as Electronic Technician; Radar & Nuclear Power schools then oil exploration for a few years followed by 25+ years in aersopace as Flight Test Engineer testing missile and the latest & greatest in stealth fighters and bombers. Had the thrill of flying backseat in a TA-4F for four years on the HARM program. Married 20+ years to Grace (California girl). My career post Navy after High School and a few years as Engineer in oil exploration (Western 1/2 of USA) has led me to be in California since 1985 so I could work in Flight testing (Defense/Aerospace). Have enjoyed flight testing weapon systems and new aircraft such as B-2 Stealth Bomber, F-22 Raptor (Stealth Fighter) and now F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Highlight was four years flying in the back seat in a TA-4F jet (origianl Blue Angel aircraft) testing a new HARM missile. Still have another 15 years to work with two colleges to provide over the next 6 years and prepare for retirement back to Te...Expand for more