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Ridgway resident supervises Government equipment |
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Monday, 12 May 2008 |
By Heather Tressler
Philip Lile Woodford Jr., a previous resident of Ridgway, has flown away and become successful through the Air Force.
A current resident of La Plata, Md., he provides for his family of four by repairing photographic equipment for the government.
Woodford is a 1977 graduate of Ridgway High School, and retired from the Air Force after 23 years. While at RHS, his best friend, Dale McQuown, inspired him to join the Air Force.
"We both went to the recruiter, and about couple weeks after Dale signed, I thought, what the heck, and then I joined," said Woodford.
Woodford went into the service to study general electronics. The Air Force placed him in the area of processing film. When air planes takes photographs, he is part of a team that processes the film and sends it to customers, including the intelligence community.
Woodford is supervisor of the National Geo-Spacial Agency, or GNA, where he repairs photographic equipment. However, he is not the supervisor of equipment maintenance.
During his service career, Woodford earned the
MSM maritory service metal twice.
"You get this metal for basically being a good boy," said Woodford. "Not everyone receives it, and you have to be recommended by the commander."
Despite his confidential career, Woodford and his wife, Anna, have three children – Rebacca, Philip III and Amanda.
Woodford's parents, Lois and Sam Market, still live in Ridgway, along with five brothers and sisters who live in Ridgway, St. Marys and Ohio.
Woodford said he misses Ridgway because he misses out on family birthdays and events, and hopes to retire in the future.
He also comments on how Ridgway is a great place to live.
"The hunting, fishing and people are really great in Ridgway," said Woodford. "Whenever you bounce from place to place, you see a lot of places and Ridgway got all of the towns beat. The smaller town community and the outdoor activities are the best things Ridgway has to offer."
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 May 2008 )
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