Hello to all of my new classmates! My name is Chris Van Wagner and I currently live in Freeport, FL a small town just North of Destin, which is a major beach resort here in Northwest Florida. I retired from the Navy in September of 2012 and currently perform maintenance at a local hospital. While in the Navy I was leader at a very young age and continuously went through training (both academic and trial by error) and it culminated in my final role as the Quality Assurance and Process Improvement Officer. In this position I responsible for safety, inspection techniques, procedure concurrence and improvement for the maintenance department of 212 sailors, marines and civilians. I found it very challenging and by following this rule (not quote) ” lead by example” I we successfully passed a multitude of inspections. This quote is simply put, but difficult to maintain, since I always put myself under scrutiny when something has gone awry.
Although I have a good paying job that is somewhat rewarding, I am not where I want to be yet. Eventually, I would like to, again, be a manager or supervisor who can influence and train people and build the camaraderie that I have longed for since retiring from the military. I believe that my degree in O-lead will provide the avenue for m to find the right job with the right company.
My other interests include playing sports, working on my house and restoring cars; probably to many interests to take on considering I am married and we have a 14 year old boy who take up most of my time, and not to mention our two year old pup who requires a lot of our attention as well.
Hi Chris, it’s great to learn a little something about you and your future goals. I look forward to working with you this semester.
–Brian
Apologies for leaving this in the wrong spot! My navigation skills need work!
Congrats on being close to the finish line! I can see the finish line, I know it is coming and will be here soon, but it seems so far away. I can only do 2 classes at a time due to family and work load, so I have to drag out another three semesters. But I’m close and that is what matters at this point!
What an interesting role, working the Olympic games, especially in Russia. That’s one of those “lifetime experiences” that one simply can’t put a price tag on, and something you’ll have with you for the rest of your life. I applaud that type of thing as I have never been risky, or creative enough, to take on such a challenge myself.
Good luck to you this semester and congrats again!