I have been working with various electronic systems for over 20 years. I began working with electronics immediately after graduating High School as a Ground Electronics Technician in the United States Marine Corps. After a few deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I was honorably discharged in 2005. Shortly after leaving the Marine Corps, I realized that I missed the strong sense of purpose and camaraderie that defined my time as an active duty Marine. A well-timed conversation with an old platoon-mate opened the door to a rare opportunity to fill that void in my life. I signed on with a company that was founded and staffed by Marines from my old Battalion - Radio Reconnaissance Technologies. RRT specializes in all things EW (Electronic Warfare), and was contracted by Lockheed Martin to provide in-theater support for a new Counter-RCIED (Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device) platform that was being fielded to coalition members in Iraq and Afghanistan. I spent about 6 years in Afghanistan supporting this project. I look back on the time I spent in Afghanistan with pride and reverence, but all good things come to an end.I decided to close this chapter of my story and transitioned back to civilian life in my home city of Austin, Texas. Once again, a well timed conversation shifted my attention to another wonderful opportunity with a world-class company. In June of 2014, I signed on as a Technician with the Building Technologies division of Siemens Industry. I spent the next 7 years learning the technical ins-and-outs of Access Control, Video Management, Commercial Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler, and Building Automation Controls systems, along with all of the associated supporting technologies and protocols such as TCP/IP, RS-485, RS-232, BACnet, and Modbus networks. Along the way I had the privilege of working with dozens of Technicians, Project Managers, Engineers, Coordinators, Supervisors, and Operations Managers that were kind enough to share with me some of their wisdom and experience. As a result of their generosity and professionalism, I was able to confidently step into my current role as the Client Service Manager for the Austin Siemens Infrastructure Branch.