Tim is a retired Major in the US Air Force. He served four years of active duty at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota as part of the 321st Civil Engineering Squadron. During his reserve duty, he spent ten years in the 911th Civil Engineering Squadron in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and three years at the Pentagon, HQ Civil Engineering, Environmental Restoration Division. Tim was assigned there from 2000-2003, where he saw the devastation of the 9/11 attacks and the re-building. He also spent three years as the Air Force Liaison to the Pennsylvania Civil Air Patrol.
Why did you choose MBP?
Jennings Davis recruited me after a 31-year career as a consulting engineer. I wanted to continue but get out of design and back in the field being more hands-on and working with facility engineers.
What did you find to be the most rewarding part of transiting to the workforce?
I transitioned directly from active duty to reserve duty and I liked being both military and civilian. I used good and bad experiences in each world to make the other better.
How has your military experience helped you in the workforce?
The military offers unique opportunities and experiences, especially for young people, that can be applied in the civilian workforce. I came into the civilian design/construction world with unique experience for a young engineer including providing construction management on a $200 million B1-B beddown, lead mechanical engineer on the base High-Temperature Hot Water system, Officer-in-Charge of multiple deployments of 30 to 200 personnel, Chief of Design and Construction Management, supporting the Unexploded Ordinance Cleanup at the Pentagon, and being a mentor to young cadets.
What advice would you give someone getting ready to transition?
Think about it, evaluate your options and what is right for you, then go for it. It can be scary, but stay positive and be yourself.