Edgar Blanchette:
CLASS OF 1966
Marlborough High SchoolClass of 1966
Marlborough, MA
Edgar's Story
I am retired from Raytheon Company in Sudbury MA as a Senior Systems Engineer.
I dealt with Software and Hardware Safety. In this position I evaluated and monitored software and hardware so the overall Radar system was not affected by erratic software, harming people, environment, or hardware. As a system engineer I integrated, validated, and evaluated hardware, software, and electrical designs into one system.
Education:
M.S. Information Technology from Florida Inst. of Technology (FIT)
Certificate of Advanced Studies in UNIX/C/C++ Worcester Polytechnic Institute
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
B.S. Engineering Management
A.S. Mechanical Engineering
A.S. Electronics Engineering in Air Traffic Control/Ground Radar Electronics
A.S. Business Management
I earned the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award from Toastmasters International (TMI). The DTM is the highest award given by TMI for public speaking and leadership.
In a previous life I spent many years as a Mechanical Engineer at Raytheon, designing radar/communication reflectors and pedestals for Naval ships, Air Force, and Army.
In 1998 I changed careers and worked as a Software Engineer and IT troubleshooter for EMC Corporation, Hopkinton MA. I was enticed to rejoin Raytheon as a Project Manager/Engineer. I managed the installation of Air Traffic Control Monitors and software called Standard Terminal Automated Replacement System (STARS) for major International airports. While working on STARS I had to travel to sites such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Patrick AFB, Luke AFB Phoenix AZ, Rochester NY, Denver CO, Portland OR, and Detroit MI.
It was a fun job but it was time to move on to my System Safety Job. I spent eight years in the Marine Corps, both active and reserve, as a helicopter crew chief & mechanic (CH-34 and UH-ie), and as a tactical radar field operator attached to MASS-6, and Force Recon. The Marine Corps wanted me to attend Force Recon school in Alabama when I was 42 years old, I said, ahhh thanks but no thanks.
As a helicopter Crew Chief in the Marine Corps I used to fly into Air Force airfields and was amazed by the food and hospitality of the Air Force. So when I had a chance I transferred to the Air National Guard as an Air Traffic Control and Combat Radar Technician...Expand for more
. I retired from the Air National Guard in 1998 as a Radar Technical Maintenance Manager with 24 years total military service.
I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and Shaolin Kempo Karate, as well as being proficient in other combat styles such as Krav Maga, Wing Chun, Target Focus Training, Small Circle JuJitsu, and Dynamic Combat Systems. I am also a certified karate instructor. I also have attained Certification as a Physical Trainer.
I am married with three children, Brad, Lindsay, and Adam. All three have graduated from college, prompting my retirement. All three kids played High school sports. All three are married. My older son has a girl and boy and my daughter has a boy and a boy, girl twin combo, and my younger son Has a baby girl.
I still live in MA. I did own property in Lake Chapala Mexico south of Guadalajara Mexico where it was a nice peaceful retirement area for North Americans. But in 2012 the drug lords took control of the area. I have to travel there every year to renew my FM3/Temporary Resident paperwork. So, my papers "are" in order. Muchas Gracias. "I don't need no stink'n badges" either. Nobody else needs them either. The last time I was there the "Narcos" killed and dismembered 18 people that they picked up from the streets (men, women, children and left them in a van two miles from my house. Haven't been back since. Although I have heard the "Narcos" have left the area also, I haven't been back and sold the property.
I plan on teaching self defense to the elderly (60+ year olds) part-time. Need a lesson? Anyone?? Anyone?? Ferris Bueller? Anyone? Let me know. Or, then again, maybe I'll just play golf every day and drink margaritas. Muy Bien. At this time I am cancer free from a bout with laryngeal throat cancer in 2010. It was a long, one + year battle with radiation and chemo. The year 2010 was a challenge and I am looking forward to a better life ahead.
In 2012 my wife, Ann, had a bout with cancer but now she also is cancer free.
I am looking forward to moving on to the next phase of my journey on this side of the green grass. If anybody wants to join me in Mexico let me know (or if you want a karate lesson because I'm looking at getting another 20 years out of this ride. My new saying is "It is better to be seen than viewed." Adios amigos.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Photos
Register for Free to view all photos!