MSgt Dansizen

Rich Dansizen is the Advanced Aerospace Science Instructor with the Air Force Jr. R.O.T.C. program at Alton High School.  A 23-year veteran of the Air Force, he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1995. He became an instructor while assigned to the Defense Information School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana where he taught broadcast technologies to entry-level students for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. While teaching there he obtained the academic rank of Assistant Professor. Prior to moving to Illinois, he taught broadcasting as a vocational education course at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He began his AFJROTC career at Peoria High School in Peoria, Illinois and earned his advanced certification while teaching at Limestone Community High School in Bartonville, Illinois. He is a graduate of Indiana University and holds two degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, including Instructor of Technology and Military Science. He is an eight-time winner of the AFJROTC Outstanding Instructor of the Year award and is included in the 2000, 2002 (with 2 nominations), 2004, and 2005 editions of Who’s Who among America’s Teachers. He is also the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for instructor excellence and several local education awards. He and his wife, Judi, live on Lake Camelot, near Mapleton, Illinois. They have two sons, Todd and Toby, and five grandchildren.

MILITARY EXPERIENCE

ASSIGNMENTS

1992 – 1995 Defense Information School, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana

                     (Assistant Professor, Broadcast Technology)

1990 – 1992 Combat Camera, Nellis AFB, Nevada

                     (Executive Producer)

1988 – 1990 American Forces Korea Network, Yongsan, South Korea

                     (Network Superintendent)

1986 – 1988 Alaskan Forces Radio Network, Fort Greely, Alaska

                     (Station Manager)

1985 – 1986 Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, Sondrestrom AB, Greenland

                     (Operations Supervisor)

1982 – 1985 Armed Force Radio Service, Zaragoza AB, Spain

                     (Program Director)

1980 – 1982 Far East Network, Tokyo, Yokota AB, Japan

                     (Staff Announcer)

1976 – 1979 USAF Regional Hospital, Offutt AFB, Nebraska

                     (NCOIC, Veterinary Administration)

1974 - 1976 USAF Clinic, RAF Alconbury, Alconbury, England

                   (Veterinary Technician)

1973 – 1974 USAF Regional Hospital, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan

(Veterinary Specialist)

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Air Force European Broadcasting Squadron Station of the Year, 1982

American Forces Radio Service Detachment NCO of the Year, 1984

Air Force Organization Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster, 1985

Air Force Commendation Medal, 1986

Alaskan Forces Radio Network NCO of the Quarter, 1988

Army Commendation Medal, 1989

Combat Camera Detachment SNCO of the Year, 1991

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, 1992

Air Force Achievement Medal, 1993

Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, 1993

Joint Meritorious Unit Award, 1994

National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, 1995

Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 1995

Numerous broadcast awards for production excellence, 1979 - 1995

Cold War Recognition Certificate, 1999

Korean Defense Service Medal, 2004

EDUCATION

1972 – High School Diploma, Redford High School

           Detroit, Michigan

1972 – Basic Military Training

           Lackland AFB, Texas

1972 – Veterinary Specialist, USAF School of Health Care Sciences

           Sheppard AFB, Texas

1979 – Information Specialist Course (Broadcaster), Defense Information School

           Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana

1984 – Broadcast Manager Course, Defense Information School

           Torrejon AB, Spain

1987 – Command NCO Academy (Correspondence Program)

1987 – NCO Command Academy (Honor Flight)

           Elmendorf AFB, Alaska

1988 – Associate in Applied Science, Public Affairs

           Community College of the Air Force      

1989 – USAF SNCO Academy (Independent Study)

1989 – First Sergeant Academy (Correspondence Course)

1990 – Army Advanced Public Affairs Course

           University of South Carolina

1991 – Invited to join Golden Key National Honor Society

1993 – Aerospace Education Foundation Eagle Grant

1993 – Associate in Applied Science, Instructor of Technology and Military Science

           Community College of the Air Force

1995 – Bachelor of General Studies, Indiana University

           Indianapolis, Indiana

1999 – Men’s Leadership Training Course, Bartonville Christian Church

           Bartonville, Illinois

HOBBIES

Bike Riding

Cooking

Music

Reading

Spending Time with Grandchildren