Phil's Corner

     Although born in New Haven, CT, I was raised in Libreville, Gabon, Africa. I developed a strong interest in computers at the age of nine, after my family moved to France. My interest in computers evolved into a more technical field: computer programming. My first lessons in computer programming involved LOGO and BASIC, on Apple 2C's and 2E's. When I returned to Connecticut for high school, I took an additional two classes in programming: one in BASIC, and another in PASCAL. I then attended the University of Connecticut to receive a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. My interests were still focused on computers, though more specifically on the hardware aspect. I studied PASCAL and C for PC's, as well as other subjects in my major's curriculum.

     After a few bad experiences with the college life, I felt I needed to broaden my experiences in life and realised I could do so while serving my country. I decided to transfer from the Connecticut Army National Guard to active duty. This was a terrific opportunity for service, travel, and to obtain educational benefits and the chance to put money aside for a future return to college.

     Though the only formal computer training I have received consists of programming, I have gained a substantial amount of knowledge in repairing and optimising computer systems. This began when I first purchased a personal computer in 1990. Over the years, I have improved computers' performance, helped many friends, and worked on the different systems in Army units I have served with. I began to learn about building networks out of necessity during Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, in 1995.

     During my time on active duty I have also learned Bulgarian (at DLI - Defense Language Institute - East), Haitian Creole, and have worked with diplomats and various foreign officials. During Operation Uphold Democracy, in Haiti, I helped co-ordinate efforts between the Haitian Minister of Justice and U.S. Embassy personnel. In another mission, I helped a Jamaican committee work on an anti-drug campaign for Jamaica. The last mission I participated in was as a member of the IFOR (Implementation Force) Information Campaign in Bosnia, which tried to achieve long term compliance with cease-fire measures... they're still working on that...

     I am currently working on my degree in Electrical Engineering at UMASS Lowell. I have joined B Co. 101st Engineers, Army National Guard unit out of Chelsea Massachusetts.  I am also working as an intern at Raytheon's plant in Tewksbury, MA.

     Hope I haven't bored anyone yet... Thanks again for visiting, and come back again soon.

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