After graduating from High School in western Pennsylvania Bob reported for military duty at the United States Naval Academy where he graduated in 1965.
Following graduation, he spent two years in gunnery and anti-submarine warfare aboard a Navy destroyer. Shortly thereafter he reported to Navy Flight School and earned his wings in 1968. He flew P-3 Orion aircraft under his command all over the Pacific Ocean including Western Pacific deployments that included duty in Vietnam. By this time in his life, while experiencing the thrill of setting takeoff power hundreds of times, he began to realize that without the Navy community, no airplane would ever launch. Setting takeoff power is an individual event but is not accomplished “solo”.
Later he retired three times: once from a 31-year career as a Delta Pilot including 12 years as a flight instructor; a second time from serving eight years in the Georgia House of Representatives; and next from an additional 10 years training Delta Boeing-777 international pilots to fly all around the globe. His professional and personal travel found him in over 45 countries worldwide. Again, Bob noted that without the support of the Delta Air Lines team, there would be no opportunity to take control of the throttles to begin a safe airline journey. And, working as a legislator required a full understanding of how a community works together in spite of sometimes very strong political differences.
Along life’s way Bob has been honored as National Republican Legislator's Association as Legislator of the Year (1999), by his local Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year (2005), and by the Douglas County Board of Education as Public School Mentor of the Year (1999). The Sertoma Club awarded him the Service to Mankind Award (2006).
Bob helped raise three children and is very proactive in the lives of his six grandchildren. He has had the opportunity to share his love for Barbershop Harmony singing in chorus and quartet with his grandchildren. He knows it is impossible to sing Barbershop solos. Other people in this musical community make the joy of singing harmony possible.
As an Elder in the Presbyterian Church he has had many opportunities to travel across the United States and interact with church leadership and congregations as a teacher and leader.
Bob decided that he wanted to share his experiences, so he has trained as a story-telling motivational speaker and is seeking certification as a coach from the International Coaching Federation. Bob is currently very active as a speaker, trainer and coach.
In the context of a culture that seems to value rugged individualism with the illusion of personal control, Bob shares his stories from his professions and hobby that persuade the listener of the value of working in community and the much more valuable product that results. He is available as a personal coach, keynote speaker, and trainer.
If Bob’s background and expertise pique your interest, proceed to the contact page. He would love to be of service to you.