Today's Featured Biography

 
Melvyn Albiston

Since graduation in 1964:
Worked at U.S. Steel in New Duluth for one year, long enough to learn this was not for me. Went to Alexandria VoTech in Alexandria, MN with three classmates, Dean Johnson, Bill Henson and Gilbert Bascom to study industrial design (drafting).

While at Alex VoTech I married my high school girlfriend from Central High. Also received numerous messages from the Draft Board.

After graduating Alex VoTech I went to work for Control Data Corporation in Roseville, MN. This lasted until the Draft Board learned I no longer had an educational deferment. I received my draft notice and had the option to go into the Army for two years or enlist in another branch for four years with a chance of further education. I selected the Air Force and electronics school. After basic training I went to electronics school in Biloxi, MS for a year. upon graduation our class was selected to continue training as Forward Air Controllers (Hello Vietnam).

At the eleventh hour I and one other airman was taken from the group and told to select two overseas countries and we would not be going to Controllers training (I learned later my change was due to the Sullivan Act, my two younger brothers were presently in Vietnam).

I selected England as my first choice because we spoke a similar language and Italy as second choice because I had a thing for Sophia Loren. I was sent to Italy for two years.

When I returned from Italy I was stationed at Whiteman AFB a SAC base working with Minuteman Missile systems. While at Whiteman my daughter Dawn was born (1969).

My tour of duty was up in 1970 and I returned to Control Data to resume the job I had when I was drafted. I had to take a significant pay cut from the military to go back to the job I had at Control Data.

After two years left Control Data for a job at 3M Company in St. Paul. While working at 3M my son Todd was born (1976) and I attended the University of Minnesota at night to earn my bachelors degree in business in 1977.

While working with 3M company I held positions as an Illustrator, Sales Promotion, International Business Development, Product Management, Global Alliances and Acquisitions. In 1986 I was transfer to Austin, Texas along withe the Telecommunications Division. I worked with 3M for almost twenty-seven years until the "downsizing" of senior people following 9/11 to reduce costs. This is where I learned the
at human assets were no more valuable than physical assets.

In 2000 we adopted our son Caden at four months old (starting life over again). In 2010 I took a Vice President/General Manager position running an Information Technology Company in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. After two years of realigning and refocusing the company for growth I returned to Austin, TX to be closer to family and friends.

I am presently active riding my motorcycle on cross-country trips, photography, and dabbling with Photoshop on my computer.

If you have similar interests or are traveling through Texas let's get together to share war stories.

VIEW ALL BIOGRAPHIES