50-Year-Reunion

Sid Langford 4129 Rayburn Road, Cocoa, Florida 32926 sidlangford@icloud.com (321) 626 - 9901 October 7

After graduating from Grand Ole Bluefield High School in that building high on a foggy hill, I began studying Electrical Engineering at Bluefield State College in 1975, and graduated in 1977 with an A.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology. Immediately, got a position with Anderson Radio on North Street as an electrical technician. Connect with exceptional individuals during my tenure. I worked for Anderson Radio for about four years. During that period, I experienced the dissolution of my marriage with my first wife. Additionally, many may recall the significant three year coal strike. I found myself without employment. So, I went back to Bluefield State and got my B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, graduated in 1985. It was during my final year that I met my sweetheart. Shelia Lusk. You may think this never works -- but I was following her up the steps of the Student Union building and I liked what I saw. So, gave out a big “ wolf whistle ”! She looked over her shoulders and smiled! I was hooked! Following my graduation, I secured a position as an electronic technician with B&B Service Center located on Halls Ridge Road in Princeton. It was around 1987 I had enjoyed working at B&B Service Center, but really wanted to further my career. I discovered a job advertisement in the newspaper for American Mine Research. I initially started as an engineering technician and eventually advanced to the position of field engineer. The job was very challenging. Sheila and I enjoyed going to the Mercer Mall on Friday nights. One Friday evening, as I glanced ahead, I noticed a former colleague from college. Arriving five minutes earlier or later, I would have missed my friend. He was extremely excited about his new job. He had gotten a job at Kennedy Space Center in Florida as a NASA Contractor! The friend was known to stretch the facts. As we said goodbye, he asked me to send my resume so he could share it. I never thought much about it. Six weeks later, I had a job at Kennedy Space Center in Florida! The first two years of employment at Lockheed at KSC were great. At that time, we aimed to conduct monthly flights but discovered it was not feasible. So, there was a massive layoff! I was impacted initially, and a few months later, Sheila experienced the same. She was recalled as a guard to the wings of the shuttle. We decided that it would be best for both of us not to work in the same sector, which is why I started seeking oppor tunities in the private sector. The employment opportunities were challenging to secure due to significant competition. We returned to school and obtained Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Certifications.

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