Biography - Rick Vatsaas

Rick is the middle brother and is much less flamboyant than Bradley, his mediocrity only exceeded by his precocious little brother. What Rick really wanted to be is an astronaut, and so his guidance counselor suggested he study be an engineer (why would anyone seek career advice from someone who aspired to be a high school guidance counselor remains a mystery). Upon arriving at the hallowed halls of the University of Minnesota, Rick flipped a coin to determine whether to study electrical engineering or mechanical engineering. Fortune smiled upon him and the coin landed tails, sparing the world another failed EE major working the drive through at Taco Bell. Rick spent next five years as the quintessential example of social promotion in higher education.

As a senior engineering student, Rick bluffed his way into a student internship with Honeywell's Underseas System Division, where he assisted engineers and scientists in developing innovative ideas to sink the Soviet Navy. In that capacity Rick actually became a minor authority in fascinating science of underwater rocket propulsion. And no, it is nothing like underwater basket-weaving.

When the Cold War thawed in 1992 Rick sought his fortunes in the heavy-duty trucking industry, with the gallant objective to make the world safe from overheated diesel engines. Rick spent the next seven years smelling of burnt brake linings, and gathering the remains of his experimental designs with tweezers and a metal detector. None the less, he came up with several patents for products that actually sell.

In 1999 Rick took on the role of engineering manager for a small manufacturer of aviation support equipment. The experience was something akin to a corporate version of "F Troop".

Leaving that behind in 2000, Rick jumped onto an opportunity to work for aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, hoping that they let employees ride in the spaceships. Now he spends all day designing equipment for over-complicated rocket launchers called Jet Fighters.

Perhaps it was nostalgia for the scent of carbonized phenolic that lured Rick back into rocketry, though he claims he does it "for the children". His kids Ingrid and Christian know better of course, and have learned to negotiate goodies in exchange for their participation.

His wife Cheryl just hopes this rocketry addiction is merely another phase, like when Rick considered giving up engineering to become a shepherd. In the mean time her sewing skills come in handy, as well as her emergency first aid training.