I'm an Father, Husband, and Software Engineer. I started shooting when I was a young boy, with an old Winchester pump action .22 that had been my Father's. However, I first starting shooting AR type rifles (M16A1 to be exact) when I enlisted in the CT Army National Guard halfway through my senior year in High School (I was 17.5 at the time!). I then went to college at Norwich University, The Military College of Vermont, graduating there with a degree in Computer Science Engineering in 1988. (Did you know Norwich is the nation's oldest private military college? Founded in 1819!). I spent my enlistment in the Guard as a Flight Operations Specialist (93P) in a UH-1 (Huey) company. While I only qualified as a 'Marksman' in Basic Training (I swear the plastic pop-up targets were worn out!), I managed to score 'Expert' during my yearly qualifications with my issued M16A1 (hand scored on a 200M range). I have spent most of my engineering life working for Defense and Aerospace related companies, since I enjoy the unique challenges of the industry, plus I get to help my country at the same time. Currently I am employed as a Software Engineer at a local research facility.
Below Left: Yep, that's me at the 30 Mar 02 Shoot with my A2 rifle. Below Middle: Me at one of the Tactical Rifle (2000) competitions (note the spare magazine carried in my rear pocket). Below Right: A closeup of my Carbine (with recent stock change) a Bushmaster with A1/C7 type upper (has the teardrop Forward Assit & an A.O. Sights Same Plane Rear Aperture), the M4/AK barrel, RRA LE Entry stock (with 1" spacer & A2 buttstock), trap door pistol grip (with a bottle of CLP in there), 'The Gapper' to prevent blisters, Reflex 1 sight (6.5 moa dot), sling stud on the handguard (for my Harris bipod), and a Tactical Taylor 3 point sling.
Below Left: Me @17 going on my First Drill, Dad had drill the same weekend. Below Center: PVT Platt @18 in Basic Training (notice the 'rubber duck' I am holding). Below Right: Cadet Platt @ 21 a senior at Norwith University.
Paul (Assistant Manager) "Keep your powder dry!":
How is that for a War Face? That could freak out my own mother!
I'm the one who usually organizes the AR shoots.
I grew up in rural and then suburban Michigan. Despite a lot of firearms usage in my youth, I didn't buy a weapon until I moved to Maryland in 1990. Living here rapidly convinced me of the need for self protection. The Brady Bill got me into pistols and the NICS portion got me into AR-15's. Thanks Sarah and Bill!
I graduated with a degree in Packaging from Michigan State University in 1988 and went to work for ECS Composites in Grants Pass Oregon. I still work for them today. Thirteen years at one company - nearly unheard of today. I work primarily in the Defense/Aerospace industries designing the reusable cases and containers to house all the electronics of today's battle field.
You can find out more about me by visiting my website.
