"A decrepit father takes delight To see his child do deeds of youth" (Sonnet 37)

I suppose I've chosen to take the road to Montana on this blog. I mean to inform the good folks at Big Timber some facts about my offspring and Robin's siblings. Robin is not alone in this family in serving her country. If my book has been made available up there, you will remember that Robin's grandfather served in WWI in the 27th Aero Squadron...the "Balloon Busters". I've already written of my stepson, Jon's 10 year service in the U.S. Navy and of my own service in the Navy in WWII. But military service is not the only way to serve our country. My son, Joel, has spent his career working in the Central Intelligence Agency. Check out JR's resume:


JOEL ROSS
Central Intelligence Agency
Advanced Innovative Technology

EMPLOYMENT

Central Intelligence Agency Manager, Editor, Analyst, IT Professional

EDUCATION
Western Management Center (Denver, CO) Management of Information Technology 2001
San Francisco State University M.A. English Literature 1980
Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) B.A. English 1975

AWARDS / ACHIEVEMENTS

CIA Exceptional Performance Award, 5 times "Superior accomplishment and valuable service"
US State Department Superior Honor Award "Sustained superior performance"
National Intelligence Meritorious Award Latin America facility Unit Citation
CIA Meritorious Unit Citations Watch Office; Latin America facility
Studies in Intelligence Award "Outstanding contribution to the literature of intelligence"


Now, JR works for BASIS TECHNOLOGY (http://www.basistechnology.com/) as Vice President.

The following mini bio is published on their web site:

Joel RossVice President, Defense & Intelligence Services

Joel oversees opportunities for Basis Technology to fulfill the needs generated by the US Government, particularly in the Defense and Intelligence Communities. He is responsible for determining what those needs are, and the best way to bring together USG Project Managers and Basis Technology’s software and engineering teams to produce results that benefit both parties. Prior to Basis Technology, Joel served over 21 years for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where his work was recognized by the USG through numerous accolades, including the State Department Superior Honor Award, the National Intelligence Meritorious Award, and the five-time conferral of the CIA Exceptional Performance Award. He has lived and worked on four different continents. Joel is a graduate of Cornell University, and holds an advanced degree from San Francisco State University.

The picture in this blog includes Joel and his beautiful wife, Barbara, whom he met on his way to teach English in Australia before his employment in the CIA. In a way, Barbara is also serving her country by teaching young people in Virginia schools. But Robin has two more siblings..."the twins" who have also distinguished themselves with careers I'll blog very soon.
And now to breakfast.