Name: Vince D’Alessandro

What was your current/former career or business background? 

• United States Naval Aviator – flew the LTV A-7 Corsair II with Attack Squadron Fifteen (VA-15) based on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, CVA-42, from 1969 to 1974.
• Wareco – Independent Oil Company, Supervisor/District Manager 1975 to 2000, then retired.
• Taught basic computer skills, including Adobe Photoshop Elements, to guests on cruise ships from 2004 through 2009.

Is there a highlight of your current/former career? There is little to compare with the experience of being a carrier-qualified all-weather day/night nuclear delivery/fighter pilot in the US Navy.  (…and living to tell about it!)

What is your favorite aspect about the Maker Space? Favorite aspect about Maker Space is the variety of equipment available and the myriad of projects that can be undertaken.

What is your dream for the Maker Space? My dream for the Maker Space is that it become a major source of reference for a large segment of this community.  It blends up-to-date computer technology with basic skill sets such as woodworking and metal crafting, not to mention 3-D printing, vinyl work, laser etching, embroidery, etc.  Maker Space could very easily become the inspiration to help guide many young people toward potentially successful entrepreneurial careers.

What do you hope to do as a Maker Space volunteer? As a volunteer, my goal is to become as proficient as possible with most of the equipment available.  I’ve always had a proclivity for working with projects, and I enjoy helping people to accomplish their goals whenever possible.  I enjoy teaching “what I know”, but in order to do so, proficiency on my part is a must.