I got my first interest in astronomy and space exploration while growing up with the first manned missions. In high school, I learned more through science courses and trips to museums and planetariums. I joined the US Air Force and had the opportunity to observe pristine skies (some were hundreds of miles from the nearest village!) with a trusty set of binoculars. As I traveled to different countries, my interests changed and I moved away from astronomy. After retiring from the Air Force, I started work on my degree and took a course in planetary geology, which re-ignited my interest in astronomy. I joined the local astronomy club, purchased a telescope and dove in head-long. I'm a bit of an equipment geek and enthusiastically share my love of the skies with the public. To support my equipment purchases, I'm the IT Manager for the College of Human Sciences at Texas Tech University.