July marks the third anniversary of the launch of D.O.M.
magazine. Guess what? It’s true – time really does fly when you are having fun!
I have had the privilege to interview many diverse professionals
over the past three years. These aviation maintenance managers have shared
their experiences and knowledge with our readers. One theme that seems to repeat
itself in each interview is the importance of education. “Never stop learning,”
is a mantra many successful directors of maintenance share.
It was with pleasure that I read an article a few weeks ago
in the Redlands Daily Facts titled “San Bernardino man ‘fulfills dream’ with
college aeronautics degree” by staff writer Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell. Ms. Trunnell
discusses how Rickey Richardson, a 63-year-old San Bernardino man, earned an
associate degree in aeronautics. He wanted to finish what he started. You see,
in 1982, Richardson had spent a year and a half studying aeronautics at the
college, but health problems forced him to back off. He ended up becoming a
truck driver. Richardson told Trunnell, “For a long time, I described myself as
a jack of all trades, master of none, so I wanted to finish and be a role model
to my grandchildren. All I ever hear from them is how hard school is.”
But don’t think you can contact Richardson to work at your
maintenance facility just yet. He plans to pursue his education even further.
“I will probably work on getting yet another certificate in aeronautics,” he
tells Trunnell. “This was never really intended as a career path. It is more
about fulfilling a dream.”
Keep on fulfilling your dreams Mr. Richardson. You are an
inspiration!
You can read the entire article at http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_18142408
Thanks for reading!
Joe Escobar
