#format wiki #language en {{attachment:Phil-welding.jpg}} {{attachment:PhilSimpson-head.png}} || '''Launchpad ID''': || [[https://launchpad.net/~Sparks0548/|Sparks0548]] || || '''Ubuntu Forums''': || [[http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=175411/|Sparks0548]] || || '''IRC''': || '''Sparks0548''' on ''irc.freenode.net'' || || '''Email''': || <> || || '''Blog''': || [[http://chuckspub.blogspot.com|chuckspub.blogspot.com]] || == Introduction == I'm a 31 year old father of one. My son is a great joy in my life who helped me remember what it was like to play and be a kid. I'm a Rhode Island native and enjoy spending time having beers with friends, playing ice hockey and sometimes getting into trouble. === Active Duty === I have been involved with Linux for a few years and have spent the better part of a year and a half advocating Ubuntu to my friends & family. I have spent 12 years in the military in the active duty and reserve space. My first position in the Navy was as a Radioman onboard the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Yorktown_%28CG-48%29/|USS Yorktown (CG-48)]]. There I started my computing experience onboard the SmartShip platform. Our main mission was in support of the United States' counter drug mission in the Carribbean. === Computer Experience === After leaving active duty I worked for a few organizations in New England in the Finance, Higher Education, and Manufacuring industries honing my skills and climbing the corporate ladder. I have spent the better part of 8 years in the Litigation Market as a Senior Systems Engineer and Data Forensics Expert. This job led me begin using Linux for a variety of cases which spurred my interest in Linux and Ubuntu. === Seabee Reservist === While working in the civilian world and post 9/11 I was brought back into the military to serve with the US Navy Seabees. The [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seabee/|Seabees]] have a long history of "Can Do". As a matter of fact I believe it was the Seabees that coined the phrase. A commissioned organization on March 5, 1942 the Seabees had their first home in Rhode Island in support of World War II. As a Seabee my current rating is a SteelWorker where I work on construction projects welding, cutting, or fabrication with many different metal materials. I have recently been awarded the Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Qualification for professional knowledge, leadership and devotion to duty. Currently serving with the Seabees in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I continue my military career working to protect freedom, our way of life and ensuring the safety and security of my children. == Ubuntu Contributions == {*} Began the build of the Rhode Island LoCo Team. {*} Provided support on the forums. {*} Distribution of Ubuntu OS Install CD Media. == Goals == {*} Spend as much time as I can with my son and my family since I have been away for so long. {*} Increase knowledge and awareness of Ubuntu in Rhode Island. [[RhodeIslandTeam]] {*} Build the Rhode Island LoCo team to apply for approval. {*} Learn Python and C++ to increase marketability. {*} Develop a close knit face to face community of Ubuntu users in Rhode Island. {*} Rediscover the essence of having fun and being with friends and family.