After leaving Vance, I reported to the Minnesota Air National Guard to fly the C-130A and then the C-130E when we transitioned in the late 70’s.  I was a member of the 109^th TAS until I retired in 1992.  I was a middle school math teacher for ten years after pilot training in both a public and a private school.  I married Kathy my wife of 21 years in 1983.  I accumulated time and ratings hoping to get hired by a major airline.  I was hired in 1985 by American and have been based at ORD from the beginning.  I have flown engineer on the 727, first officer on the DC10, MD11, B777, and captain on the F100.  I am currently a first officer on the B777 flying either to LHR or NRT and enjoying the seniority that the down bid allows.