Then: When you knew me I was Sgt Patrick (Mike) Shea. An O-2A crew chief working for SSgt Gary Minor at Evans. If you are trying to recall me I was Smitty's roommate. We were the only room in the hooch with plywood paneling, a built-in sofa, AK-47's on the wall and green packing material carpeting. I was also known to play the clarinet in the hooch at times.

After Evans: After I left Evans I was stationed at Bergstrom AFB maintaining O-2's there for the next 5 years. In 1977 I was transferred to Ft Lewis, WA at another USAF O-2 detachment and remained there until 1979. I then transferred to McChord AFB as a TSgt and C-141 flight chief responsible for 20 aircraft. From there I cross trained into computers and spent 1 year at Beale AFB as the NCOIC of a communications center. In 1981 I was accepted into the Airmen's Education and Commissioning Program (AECP), graduated with a BS in Computer Science, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in 1983. After OTS I was assigned to Gunter AFS, AL as a database administrator where I completed my Masters in Computer Science. I was promoted to captain and then was reassigned to Tinker AFB, OK as a quality assurance officer retiring in 1991. and I am now the IT Operations Manager for the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Now: Although I haven't touched an O-2 since 1979, I still remember it had Continental inline, opposing, six-cylinder, 360 cubic inch, 210hp, engines. Tire pressures were 55psi on the main wheels and 42psi on the nose wheel, and the sliding rail seats were notorious for breaking loose and sliding forward into the instrument panel during hard breaking and (just for extra excitement) back to the rear cabin during takeoff.

I am currently the IT Operations Manager for the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. We regulate the insurance industry in the state. My staff of five IT professionals maintain the operational IT infrastructure for the agency. My other interests today are playing lead tenor sax in a 20 piece big band called the Johnny Lewis Band, wailing with the smokin' blues band Blues Attitude as the group's sax man "Hard Drive" Shea, computing, juggling, camping, and socializing with friends. I currently live in Olympia, Washington with my lovely wife of 35 years, Connie. I have three grown sons, Ben, Paul and Dan.

Over the years I have often wondered whatever became of the Evans crew of 1970. I hope some of you out there find this site and update me on what you've been doing for the last 36 years. My wish is that you are all well and that you have found the happiness you earned while serving at Evans.

Write me on the Contact Webmaster link.

Mike Shea