Debra Ann Garcia joined the space division at the former Rockwell International in Downey, Calif., - now Rockwell Collins - in April 1973. A graduate of California State University at Dominguez Hills with a degree in business administration and management, Garcia began her career as an engineer data clerk.

"During my junior year in college, Rockwell was recruiting women into engineering fields for the Space Shuttle orbiter program," recalled Garcia, a native of Los Angeles. "I knew Rockwell International would give me opportunities I might not experience elsewhere, and working on programs during the space race was extraordinary."

Now a senior quality assurance engineer in Government Systems, Garcia has enjoyed watching our company evolve during the past 35 years. One of the most significant changes, she said, was the introduction of technology - personal computers, personal digital assistants, and cellular phones - into the workplace.

"Technology has definitely changed the way we do business," said Garcia, who now works in Cedar Rapids. "The physical size of our products keeps getting smaller and smaller, and our technological capabilities continue increasing."

An advocate of change, Garcia has enjoyed all aspects of her job - some of which have presented challenges - over the years. But, the most exciting project - and one that took her to places she previously had only dreamed about - was the SAP implementation in Germany and the United Kingdom.

"Rockwell Collins has been a great place to work," said Garcia. "I've had fantastic experiences, I've worked in so many different areas, and I've enjoyed meeting so many different people."

Garcia also enjoys offering advice, when asked, to our new employees about how to succeed in our fast-paced and rapidly-changing industry. In addition to taking advantage of every learning opportunity available, Garcia recommends maintaining a positive attitude and embracing change.

"It's important to constantly look for ways to improve current processes," said Garcia. "Always remember who your customers are, and try to learn and understand how you can influence our enterprise goals."

Sharon Johnson joined Rockwell Collins in April 1973 as a programmer analyst at what was known back then as Honeywell Training & Simulation Systems. After a series of acquisitions that ultimately proved beneficial to her career, Johnson became part of Rockwell Collins in 1997 when our company acquired the former Hughes-Avicom International.

Today, Johnson is the e-Business manager of Information Technology Acquisition Implementation. While she works out of our facility in Tustin, Calif., Johnson is responsible for company-wide acquisition activities. She has led more than a half-dozen e-Business enterprise acquisition integrations, including our most recent acquisition of Athena Technologies.

In addition to the knowledge she has gained in her current role, Johnson uses her real-life experiences when assisting colleagues with acquisition integration.

"Having gone through several mergers and acquisitions, I knew firsthand how employees and companies were affected," said Johnson, an active member of the Honeywell acquisition teams in the 1980s. "Acquisitions take on a life of their own, and the success of these projects is a result of hard work, dedication, and a 'can-do' spirit."

Mergers and acquisitions aside, Johnson has witnessed tremendous change throughout our industry and our company during the past 35 years. From the miniaturization of technology hardware, to the increased capacity to store and manipulate data, Johnson continues to be amazed.

In fact, she fondly recalls the 1970s computer center, which included large-reel tape drives, keypunch card machines, and individual disk storage devices the size of washing machines. In the 1980s, technology changed again with the introduction of the first "portable" computer.

"If you can picture a large, portable sewing machine with a cover on it, then you'll have a good idea of what that computer looked like," said Johnson, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from California State Polytechnic University. "It wasn't anything like today's lightweight personal computers.

"Today, everybody is connected, and we're able to communicate instantly," said Johnson. "Using personal electronic devices makes our lives easier, but at the same time, a little bit more hectic."

Adapting to technological change has proved challenging at times, but perhaps the biggest challenge Johnson has learned to overcome is balancing her career and her family.

"I try hard to balance my work and my family life," said Johnson, who is married and has two grown daughters. "But, it takes a lot of concentration to find that balance."

An alumnus of California State Polytechnic University, Johnson periodically returns to campus to network and share her work experiences.

"I use my experiences to engage students to broaden their career options and look for opportunities," said Johnson. "If I can help someone think about an option they might not have considered, then I feel I've done my part."

Mike Mc Kinney joined the former Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics - now Rockwell Collins, in March 1973 as a draftsman in the product design and test unit. Today, he is a senior configuration analyst at the Rockwell Collins display systems business in San Jose, Calif.

Mc Kinney's stint at Rockwell Collins began 35 years ago after he was laid off by his previous employer. The California native decided to take a chance at the former Kaiser Electronics facility in San Jose with hopes of finding employment. He applied for a position at about 4:30 p.m., and was interviewed and hired on the spot.

Although he has witnessed a tremendous amount of change over the years, Mc Kinney beams when talking about the success he has seen at our company.

"I work with great people who really love solving problems," he said. "These people have given a tremendous amount of time toward working together to make the impossible happen - no matter what it takes."

In days gone by, Mc Kinney said nearly everything was done by hand, including schematics and mechanical drawings which were created with pencils and technical pens known as Leroy pens. In fact, the design department back then was even archaic, he said.

"They had an old clunker adding machine that weighed about 60 pounds or more, and was built by Singer - the sewing machine people," Mc Kinney recalled. "It took several minutes to work division, addition, subtraction, etc."

Mc Kinney also said draftsmen used to purchase most of their own drafting equipment. "That was our trade - like plumbers and carpenters," he said. "We could go anywhere at any time and whip out an engineering drawing or Printed Wiring Board (PWB) layout."

Without a doubt, Mc Kinney has been part of some major events in the aerospace and defense industry. Some of the most significant include his involvement in the A-10 program, the F-18 A/B program, and the Alpha Jet and Cobra programs. He also was involved in various projects for the U.S. space shuttle program.

While he has achieved a lot throughout his career, one of his fondest memories was seeing a F-18 flight demonstration at Lemoore Naval Air Station in Lemoore, Calif.

"We had been working the F-18 program for many years, so being able to see our equipment and our drawings used to service the aircraft was quite an experience," he said. "I also was able to meet the avionics maintenance team and a few of the pilots. It was amazing."

With retirement on the horizon, Mc Kinney encourages new employees - those who will one day take his place - to learn from one another.

"Surround yourself with great and knowledgeable people and learn from them," he said. "Listen to them and speak very little when they are giving you their experiences and their wisdom."

David (Dave) Mosher joined the former Collins Radio Company - now Rockwell Collins - in March 1968. During his first month of employment, Mosher spent time in the production area doing final test and alignment on the KY532 friend or foe transponder. But, about one month after he was hired, Mosher was asked to interview for a position with our Test Equipment department.
 
"I survived that interview, and I've been with that department ever since," said Mosher, now a senior calibration technician. "With the diversity of our equipment and our people, the years have gone by quickly."

When he looks back on his life, Mosher has seen technology change with the advent of transistor radios and black-and-white television, high-definition color TV, and video recording with instant replay.

"In the beginning, computers were buildings, and today most people have more computers then they realize," said Mosher, who has always been fascinated with electronics. "They have computers in their cars, appliances, cell phones, MP3 players, and the list goes on and on."

With retirement approaching, Mosher will likely be found making things work in ways those around him say it can't be done.

"Working with electronics is my favorite pastime," he said. "I have a great zest for life, interacting with people, and getting things done."

Ted W. Newman joined the former Hughes Aircraft Company - now Rockwell Collins - in April 1973 as a member of the technical staff. Today, he is a technical project manager (TPM) in Commercial Systems Product Applications Engineering at our facility in Tustin, Calif.

Throughout the past 35 years, Newman has made several contributions toward our company's success. He played an integral part of producing and fielding the first three laser rangefinder systems, and he also was responsible for correcting false target return problems. 

Newman also has seen dramatic improvements over the decades in terms of capability, speed, and size reductions of complex hardware.  In addition, he witnessed the creation of project management tools, which was something he and his colleagues "dreamed of decades ago." 

While he holds many fond memories of years gone by, Newman said the ones that stand out the most include the work he did on some "very advanced projects."

"Some of those projects operated on the ground, some above the stratosphere, some in shallow water, and some deep beneath the sea," said Newman, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from California State Polytechnic University. "Other products were used aboard ships, and military and commercial aircraft." 

Newman is proud of the many accomplishments our company has made over the years. But, he is perhaps most proud of the fact that his team met all technical, cost and schedule goals for a submarine project that significantly improved sonar on nuclear attack submarines.

With more than three decades of work experience, Newman suggests that our new employees reach out and connect with their colleagues to help build personal strengths, interests, and to learn to overcome shortcomings.

"Rockwell Collins is large enough to offer experts in many areas, and every position offers opportunities to learn from others," he said. "By tapping into the talents of others, you pick up a lot of knowledge, contacts and experience that will help you in many ways.  It's like investing - you need to start early so the profit builds on itself."

David R. Schmidt joined the former Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics in San Jose, Calif., - now Rockwell Collins - in April 1968, as an electronic test technician. A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology with an Associate degree in applied science, this Midwest native is now a senior electrical engineer at Rockwell Collins' display systems business in San Jose.

Throughout the past four decades, Schmidt has seen significant changes in the way our business processes operate. In 1968, engineers used slide rules for calculations, and printed schematics using large, Blue Line machines. The introduction of four-function calculators later simplified things and, today, the use of electrical simulation programs makes things even more efficient.

"There was a time when schematics were hand drawn; now they're created on computers," said Schmidt. "Printed Wiring Board artwork was all hand-taped, traced and manually checked. Now, computer programs create an intelligent schematic database and automatically check for continuity and design rules adherence."

Since 1968, Schmidt has been involved in the design and development of nearly every Low Voltage Power Supply used in the equipment in San Jose - an accomplishment of which he is extremely proud.

Born and raised in Michigan, Schmidt now calls California home and he is looking forward to retirement sometime in the near future. When he's not working, Schmidt enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, river-rafting, and woodworking. He also is an amateur (ham) radio operator.

"During my years at Rockwell Collins, I have enjoyed working with a lot of dedicated employees," Schmidt said. "Everyone works very hard to put a good, quality product in our customers' hands."

George Welch joined the former Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics - now Rockwell Collins - in San Jose, Calif., in April 1968 as a technician in manufacturing. Fresh out of high school and in search of employment, Welch took a chance on what he called a "small, feisty company where everyone was expected to pitch in regardless of their position."

"There's been a lot of change during the past 40 years," said Welch, now a principal marketing manager for Fighters/Bombers marketing at the Rockwell Collins display systems business in San Jose. "Today, we're a large corporate machine that is correctly process driven."

Throughout the past four decades, Welch has enjoyed a variety of responsibilities. He spent time in the manufacturing test area supporting our product lines, he performed multiple tasks in engineering and, prior to his current position, he worked in our program office in San Jose where he managed the production and development of various programs.

Although he has many fond memories, one of the most exciting projects he worked on involved putting the first touch screen into the F/A-18 military aircraft.

"I was the program manager for that team," he recalled. "That was a very exciting time."