Celebrating 40 Years of Dedication at Honeywell, ATK, and Federal

Reflecting on my extraordinary 40-year journey with the company, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the diverse career paths I have traversed over the years. It all began when I moved from my small town of Newcastle Wyoming to Minnesota right after graduating, and thanks to my cousin Linda Kelm's guidance, I secured a Document Control position at Honeywell's new Eden Prairie location. This was a transformative moment for me, coming from a ranch lifestyle to embracing the dynamic world of document control, where I encountered drawings, blueprints, and aperture cards.

Since August 1st, 1983, when I started at the Eden Prairie location, I have held various roles. Initially, I managed document control, overseeing the counter for customers checking in and out controlled documents. Back then, obtaining copies involved using blueprint machines, but today, technology has streamlined the process, allowing instant access to documents through a simple click.

One of my most cherished roles was in filming drawings on mylar. Becoming certified in silver microfilming, I handled the entire process, from filming prints and processing film through chemicals to placing it on aperture cards. Additionally, I learned how to program a machine to add text to each card and sent Technical Data Package (TDP) changes to the government in Picatinny, NJ. This experience was truly fulfilling, and although transitioning to run the document control department at Shady Oak presented a challenge, it eventually proved to be a rewarding decision.

At Shady Oak, my journey evolved as I embraced the Configuration and Data Management department, collaborating with senior Configuration Management analysts. I mastered the intricacies of scheduling, tracking, and submitting Contract Data Requirements lists (CDRLs) for various development and production programs at the location.

Throughout most of my career, I have been deeply involved in the 120mm Tank Ammunition programs before my transition to Federal Cartridge. My experiences with these programs have become a source of immense pride, and the team I worked with felt like family. Some key contributions during these roles include processing Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), actively participating in Configuration Control board meetings with government counterparts, and attending the Joint Configuration Control Board in different countries to maintain the German Technical Data Package (TDP) translations.

Additionally, I obtained my CM certification and Six Sigma Green belt, enabling me to implement the first online Change Control workflow within our Product Lifecycle Management application (Teamcenter Enterprise), revolutionizing our processes.

One of my most significant achievements was working on the classified M829E3 program and being part of the team that implemented the groundbreaking contractor integrated technical information system (CITIS). This transformative system empowered the government to access classified technical data and documentation through a unified platform. The meticulous creation, review, approval, and revision control processes ensured the accuracy and availability of data across all departments and approved locations, fueling efficiency and collaboration.

I transferred from ATK to Federal Cartridge's Engineering Services department as a Configuration Analyst, joining the ISO certification team and contributing to building the Quality Management System (QMS) on our SharePoint site. I also learned how to build other SharePoint sites and create workflows using Nintex.

Currently, I work with the Microsoft Dynamics (MAX) team, managing the BlueStar Product Lifecycle Management Application. My role involved migrating ERP system 21 data into MAX and transferring data from Teamcenter enterprise (ePIC) to BlueStar. I led the scanning project to convert prints into PDFs, making them accessible through BlueStar.

Now, I'm working on rolling out BlueStar Explorer, which allows the shop floor to access technical data and documentation from CAD, Office, PLM, and ERP in one solution, all with revision control for every department and location.  

As I look back on my remarkable journey, I am immensely grateful for the countless opportunities, challenges, and personal growth that have shaped my career. I take immense pride in the contributions I've made and the positive impact I've had on the organization's capabilities.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the incredible support I've received from all the people who have helped me along the way. From every role I've held, I am truly blessed to have worked with such talented and supportive colleagues. Their dedication and camaraderie have made my job truly fulfilling.

Loving what I do and having the privilege to work with the best in the business has made coming to work every day a joyous experience. Here's to 40 years of unwavering dedication, and I eagerly look forward to a future filled with continued success and innovation.