Sahib Shrine 2009 Recorder

At the Annual Stated Meeting on December 2, 2009, John was elected our Recorder for 2010.

John was born in Sarasota, Florida, December 27, 1954. He graduated from Sarasota High School in 1972, with a certificate in Computer Programming from the Sarasota Vocational Technical School. Mathematics was his strong suit, and he continued his education at Tampa Technical Institute and Manatee Junior College, finishing his degree in Electronics Technology and Computer Systems/ Analyst. John was hired by an aerospace corporation in 1978 and furthered his education to include learning to fly at the Boeing Flight School in Seattle, Washington, and at Castle Air Force Base outside Atwater, California.

The aerospace corporation where he was employed, he collaborated with the Boeing Company, and the U.S. State Department (the Pentagon,) in developing a global airline/aerospace and intelligence surveillance system. This system was to track the growing volume of American manufactured airliners, worldwide. To be on the ground floor of this new system, was an honor for him and another candidate. They both had to undergo flight certification for every model of Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Lockheed, Concorde SST and eventually France’s airbus series, including their super-liner, the A380.

He currently holds 26 “airman” certificates (pilot licenses) rated as ATP (Airline Transport Pilot), which is the highest recognition for a commercial aviator license. While being employed in the aerospace arena, he controlled production lines that assembled many of the components and systems used in the cockpits and fuselages, by the large airframe manufacturers. In addition, he was educated in air traffic control, and worked in many airports around the globe, which enhanced his knowledge of aircraft operations.

The aerospace surveillance system, designed to assist pilots during in-flight incidents, has proven very effective in recovering aircraft to normal operations and preventing many crashes. His partner and he currently handle the very critical incidents, while the 2,400 global controllers working under the surveillance umbrella, assist with the mild to intermediate incidents. Since 2002, he has been a consultant with the program.

John became a Sahib Shriner in 2004 after being raised to Master Mason at Sarasota Lodge No. 147. His father was a Sahib Shriner for 11 years before his passing, and his nephew became a Sahib Shriner the year prior to himself. He would have joined years ago, but his busy career did not allow it. He belongs to several units and clubs: Hillbilly's secretary, Chief Camel Herder, King Pins, Aide, Sarasota Fair Chairman, Ritual Cast, as well as volunteering a few days per week in the Sahib office. He is still on-call 24/7 with airline support. His pocket calendar is quite full, but he loves the fun, fellowship and philanthropy of being a Sahib Shriner. After all, John says, “We are Shriners, and We Put Children First!”