Growing up in multiple foster homes and the Baptist Children’s home in Oklahoma City, Chris felt his childhood was descent. He worked hard in school and had several part-time jobs, but never seemed to fit in with others. He always felt he was on the outside observing others. Early on he realized he viewed things differently than most, but couldn’t understand why. To look at things logically seemed obvious to him, and he enjoyed noting things or actions which were illogical. Logic provided an order to things, and he liked when things were in order.
Enlisting in the Air Force at 18 led to his introduction to computers. Things clicked. He had found a home. Logic was the center of everything about them. He still looked at things differently from others, but now it was an asset. One instructor mentioned it was a personality quirk he saw in computer professionals who excelled in the field. Chris never understood this. After all, it was logical to see things this way. Why would you do otherwise?
His drive and love for all thing’s computer related led him to work on tasks normal for those senior to him in experience. But, his talents, ability to learn and understand quickly, and his always putting the mission first, surpassed their experience. This led to bigger and brighter things and allowed him to work on interesting and innovative projects.
Toward the end of his enlistment, several companies showed interest, and he took the plunge into contracting. He couldn’t be happier with his choice. It allowed him to concentrate on his first love, computers. Without all the military requirements getting in the way. Plus, he didn’t need to play politics or placate anyone. He could deal with the facts and leave the politicking to others.
He became the go-to person for anything computer related. Especially with extrapolating data. He saw things other could never see until he pointed it out. He worked on multiple projects supporting the military and intelligence agencies. But what he enjoyed most was working with people in the field where he could see first-hand what his projects accomplished. His bosses didn’t always view this with enthusiasm, as they feared what could happen while out in dangerous places. But computers were moving into the field and out of isolated rooms. Chris wanted to be on-hand, to witness the environment and see things for himself.
This once led to him being stranded in Siberia for almost two years and another time going back to Siberia to rescue a downed flight crew. Both times barely escaping with his life.
The last led him to settle down at a secluded Wyoming cattle ranch.
Then the phone call came, which would start the next chapter in his life.
