jerry owen owen

Yes

Yes

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First marriage to Phyllis Harper (SHS '64) '65-'70, divorced. UW '63-'68, (BA Radio-TV Communications), AFROTC '64-'66' USMC '66-'80 (active and reserve, jet pilot, 55 combat missions in Vietnam), Webster Univ. MA in Mgt. and Hum. Relations 1972, consulting and real estate brokerage 1978-1985, fighter pilot, Nebraska Air National Guard 1979-1994, staff officer CINCPAC, 1994-1996, Continental Airlines pilot, DC-10, B-737, B-747, B-757/767, '85-2005, real estate brokerage 2006 to present. US Naval War College '93-94, MA in National Defense Policy and Strategic Studies.

It's been a fun ride since leaving Sammamish back in '63. I've taken advantage some great opportunities to fulfill youthful dreams to be a radio announcer, military fighter pilot, and an airline captain. We traveled much of the world and visited some truly exotic places. Losing Jophie in October '14 has brought that phase of life to a close, but I'm not done traveling yet! I think she would want me to keep doing what we enjoyed so much together.

I flew for a living for nearly four decades and confess to missing it very much now since reaching the mandatory retirement age for an airline pilot (at the time) in 2005. Nevertheless, I love working with people and being my own boss in the real estate brokerage business now. I continue to fly gliders/sailplanes for recreation, and Colorado is a perfect place for that hobby, with both summer thermals and winter mountain wave. My bride and I enjoyed hiking in the mountains and traveling the world whenever we could. Family remains a great source of joy and satisfaction as well, and Jophie's passing has not changed that for me.

The three most memorable and influential teachers from my 2.5 years at Sammamish were Howie Schmidt, Don Hansler, and Red Eickoff. Howie inspired in me an enduring interest in economics and government, and an appreciation for what it means to be a fortunate citizen of this great country. By lecture and example, he gave me a great appreciation for the power of the entrepreneur in a free market economy, and for the virtues of the capitalism which has created an exceptional and preeminent America.

Don Hansler taught us how to harness our curiosity about the natural world, how to apply our curiosity to problem solving, both scientifically and Socratically, and how to think critically about any issue whether scientific or philosophical. I think about Mr. Hansler everytime I watch the National Geographic Channel or read an article in Scientific American. He influences the way I look at the world every day of my life.

Red Eickoff taught us much more than music. In my case, I'm not sure as a drummer, I really ever did really "get it" about reading or creating music! Most importantly, corny as it may sound today, Mr. Eickoff taught us how to be responsible participants in endeavors greater than ourselves, how to work together harmoniously, and the exercise of simple virtues such as being on time and picking up after ourselves. He taught us how to be good and responsible citizens.

All three of these great teachers are a part of my daily life and I thank them for their selfless devotion to teaching and the joy of life they brought to the classroom each and every day.