After I got out of the Navy in 1991, I ended up working for the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  I was an electrical maintenance instructor running the apprenticeship training program for them.  I really liked that job and it was close to my family. 

In 1997, however, I was offered a job as a training instructor at the Monticello Nuclear Generating Facility with Northern States Power located north of the Twin Cities.  This put us close to Tami's family.  Within two years, I realized I had to get out that job.  I tried to change jobs for two years with no luck. I would eventually make a drastic move to Nebraska in 2001.  Being an instructor at a commercial nuclear plant is a challenging job that leaves a person with very little free time (in my case anyway) if you want to ensure only the best training is provided to technical staff personnel.

Work was so stressful, a couple of co-workers (friends) of mine would frequent the local Saloon (NO really>>> that is the name of the place) for lunch so that we could vent about those things that ticked us off  AND to check out the bartender who was easy on the eyes.  This picture was taken after I had left for Nebraska.   Even today, I do not miss an opportunity for a Saloon lunch when I am in the area and our schedules permit.  (Joe Petersen- white shirt, Phil Norgaard- Green Shirt)