Hello!
My name is Bryan Burkhalter, and I am an IST Master's student at Indiana U. I am also on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard, which is sending me to IU for a year to get this degree. I am married to my wife, Beth, and we have two little ones- a 6yr. old daughter and 3yr. old son. We love living in Bloomington, and are trying to maximize our time here before we move to Mobile, AL this summer for my new assignment.
I typically tell folks that I'm from Virginia, but I was born in Switzerland, then moved to California where I lived until I was 11. At that point, I moved to Virginia. I went to college in Connecticut at a small school (John, shhhhhh). Since then, I've lived in Alaska, Key West, Oregon, Virginia (again), and Los Angeles (again) with the Coast Guard.
I have been assigned to larger ships and small boat units, as well as command centers and Congressional Affairs. I've had a pretty wide variety of experiences, each with its own benefits and challenges. When I get to the other L.A. (Lower Alabama, not Los Angeles), I'll be doing an IST/HPT job for the Coast Guard's Aviation Training Center. I'm looking forward to using the degree, and pursuing my CPT certification- maybe more academics in the future!
For fun, I used to play rugby (about 13 years, including for the Coast Guard All-Service team). I fancy that I still can play, but I've got a few miles on me, and am not as quick to recover as I used to be. But I miss the smell of the field's green grass shoved up my nose and answering questions about black-eyes at work. But my priorities have shifted- I like being able to throw my kids in the air, and have them tackle me instead.
Anyone who knows me will tell you I am a big sports fan, and fantasy-sports degenerate (I just started up a fantasy golf league, and have been known to create fantasy Olympics). Other than the awesome academics, and great location, one of the reason I was so excited to come to IU was to have a NCAA team to root for. I drag my kids (and occasionally my wife) with me to football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, hockey etc. to root on the Hoosiers.
I also love to travel. My wife and I went to Italy and Switzerland this summer, as well as camped in Yosemite and Joshua Tree National Parks with the kids. The only state I haven't been to is North Dakota.
I think thats about it. Oh. I love beer. I brew at home, and like to sample other craft beers. Like to old Czech proverb says: "You can tell a fine beer by one sip, but it is better to be thoroughly sure."
Here's a look at John and I "learning" about beer in Dr. Bonk's P540 last semester. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BS6ysS9opQ I hope to refine my production skills this semester! As you can see, I don't have much of an artist's touch.
Greetings Bryan,
ReplyDeleteSo exactly, what will your IST/HPT job for the Coast Guard's Aviation Training Center entail? What will your responsibilities be? Why did you select this job?
Also, in terms of the artist's touch, we will be bringing in Dr. Appelman, who should be able to help you connect with your inner artist!
Dr. Leftwich,
DeleteGreat question! Every time I've gone into a new CG position, I've found my preconceived notions were pretty different from the reality. But, my understanding is that this job will be a blend of curriculum design (mostly supervision of it, but hopefully some hands-on too), and analysis/evaluation. I think will be some work with policy and tactics too. What makes this interesting is that it is the Coast Guard's Aviation Training Center, and I am not an aviator. It will be a great chance to work with the SMEs and apply the fundamentals of this degree.
I asked for this job because I liked the fact that it will allow me to use both IST and HPT. Many of the follow-on jobs for Coasties after completing this degree follow one path or the other. I've talked to the individual who is in the job right now, and he loves the work, the unit, the people and the area- a pretty ringing endorsement. The gulf coast is one are we haven't really lived in yet, so I"m excited about seeing a new part of the country too. Of course, I'll have to learn the language. I am also very excited that the job is not in DC at headquarters; I prefer operational/field units.
Once I get there, I'll report back on how true to my preconception the job really is!
What part of VA are you "from? I am a Virginia Beach native (but currently living in Indiana, because I married a Hoosier). I still visit often, because all of my family and friends are still there.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Fairfax/No.VA. I've spent some time down in the tidewater region though too, and love it also. Williamsburg might be my favorite spot on the East Coast!!
DeleteHi Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon this infographic while I was searching for an example for next week's class. I wanted to share it with you, since you've mentioned your love for beer, brewing beer, etc..
http://www.slowboatbrewery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/homebrew.jpg
Minae,
DeleteThat's awesome!! I'm going to get that made poster sized! Those graphics basically summarized the books I thumb through each time I brew. Thanks for sharing!
Perhaps you could design an infographic to introduce all kinds of beer or the process of brewing good beer.
DeleteBesides, I wonder whether you taught your kids some knowledge or skills during the travel and sports activities. Like my dad taught me how to pitch a tent and how to cook when we went camping, so I think that's why I'm now a big fan of "learning by doing". Sometimes I feel that how parents educate their little kids in their daily lives is even more important than the education kids have at schools.
I just found another graphic you may appreciate! http://hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2012/06/infographic-which-indiana-brewery.html
ReplyDeleteMinae,
ReplyDeleteThats amazing!! I think they pretty much got the feeling behind each brewery about right too!