ROBERT FELTS BIO
I was born in Montgomery, Al, went to school there for 11 years, then went to Tokyo for my senior year. I graduated from Tokyo American HS. I returned and spent one year at Auburn University before going to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where I graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
I went to pilot training at Craig AFB, AL, graduating in 1963, then to Castle AFB, CA for training in the KC-135A refueling aircraft.
My first assignment was at Bergstrom AFB, TX, as a copilot in the KC-135. I spent about 2 years there, then moved to Pease AFB, NH, where I eventually became an Aircraft commander in KC's. While flying the tanker aircraft, I logged about 800 hours of combat support flying time in support of our air effort over Vietnam.
About 1970 or so, I was accepted into the training program for the then new General Dynamics "swing-wing" nuclear bomber, the FB-111A. After training at Carswell AFB, TX, and Plattsburg AFB, NY, I returned to Pease where I served in the FB-111A as Aircraft commander, Instructor pilot and Evaluator pilot.
I left Pease AFB in 1975 to get my Master's in Business Administration at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA. I met my wife Margaret there, and we married in 1976. I graduated from LA Tech in 1977 with an MBA in Computer Applications, a new field at that time.
From there I went to Langley AFB, HQ Tactical Air Command, where I served as Chief, Tactical Weapons Computer Systems Division. My division worked with contractors on software development for computerized weapons systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), the helmet mounted gunsight, the Airborne Weapons and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, and other systems widely used since then in support of our Middle East efforts. In that position, I commanded three branches of software engineers, composed of 18 officers. I was also in charge of the Air Combat Manuevering Instrumentation System, a computerized display for monitoring fighters in simulated air combat. My final job there was Chief of Operations and Plans for the 1st TAC Fighter Wing and involved classified planning for the F-15 Wing. While at Langley, I flew the T-39 aircraft, usually ferrying VIPs around the east coast. Lots of fun in the thunderstorms with no radar!
In 1980, I transferred to the KC-135A wing at Altus AFB, OK, where I served as Chief, Scheduling and Support Division. In that job, I was in charge of planning and scheduling to ensure efficient combat crew and aircraft utilization. I commanded about 15 people, officers and airmen. I retired in 1982.
After my retirement, I moved to Sacramento with my wife, Margaret, and our three younger children. My oldest son was living in Maryland at that time. We settled in Carmichael, where I ran my own small business as a state certified income tax preparer.
After we moved to Wilton, I was hired as a Project Manager for Vanguard Technologies from 1985 through 1986, in charge of a team of 10 software programmers. We provided software support for the FB-111A avionics enhancement program at McClellan AFB. I left Vanguard in Jan 1987 due to an auto accident. After Vanguard, I assisted Margaret as part-time business manager for her environmental consulting company for about 8 years, working out of our office building in Wilton, CA, and employing up to 10 people. I did long-range business planning with Margaret and handled the finances, accounting and employees. We successfully built the company up to a sound business before closing operations in 1985 to enable Margaret to take an executive appointment with the state. After that, I owned and operated a graphics shop for a year in Elk Grove, which I shut down after all my equpment was stolen. Since that time, I've had no more work except for two brief stints as an auto salesman. Quite an experience there!
After almost 21 years in Wilton, we moved in Nov 2005 to live in Elk Grove. We've enjoyed our house off Bond Road because it's convenient to everything. I've spent my time doing a lot of reading, following the growth and politics of the city, walking, bike riding and maintaining a running political dialog with my fellow Academy graduates on our network. In the last year, I earned 3 sailing certifications, bought a boat and experienced the ups and downs of owning a sailboat berthed in Sausalito. I've retired from that and sold the boat recently to 2 gung-ho young men!
I have the following to offer Elk Grove:
1) intelligence and integrity
2) extensive project management and planning exp
3) leadership and management exp
4) computer education and application exp
5) business education with practical exp in business operation
I look forward to being active again, solving problems and implementing solutions for the long term security of Elk Grove. I'd consider it a privilege to represent you on Elk Grove's City Council. And remember: My word will be my bond with all of you.
Bob Felts