Melvin Kankelfritz

I served in the U.S. Coast Guard 1961 - 1981.
I enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in August of 1961. Spent 14 weeks of boot camp at Cape May, NJ. From there to basic school for Electronics Technician for 30 weeks. Graduated as an ET3 in 1962.
Stationed on the USCGC Owasco until 1963. Transferred to Loran Station Simeri Crichi in August for one year. Promoted to ET2. Transferred to Electronic shop Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. until 1966. Promoted to ET1. Transferred to Southeast Asia in 1966 for a year, serving in the Viet Nam conflict. Promoted to ETC while there.
Transferred to RCA Institute for advanced electronics education for two years. Graduated August 1969 as the highest ranking graduate with a 95.3 average. Promoted to Chief Warrant Office (W2).
Transferred to Loran Station Estartit, Spain as Executive Officer. Transferred to Officer Candidate School graduating as an Ensign in 1971. Transferred to USCG Headquarters, Electronic Engineering Branch on graduation until July, 1974.Promoted to LTjg. Transferred to USCGC Glacier, an Icebreaker. Made two trips to Antarctica and one to the Arctic during two year assignment. Promoted to LT.
Transferred to 14th Coast Guard district Electronics Engineering Division in Honolulu Hawaii from 1976 to 1979. (Great Duty!!) Completed career at Coast Guard Headquarters Navigation branch, Washington DC on September 1, 1981.

I worked in industry as a Sr. Electrical Engineer 1981 - 2004.
Took a job with Corning Incorporated (then Corning Glass works) June, 1981 (78 days of terminal leave from the USCG). Worked as a Senior Electrical Engineer in the Batch Facilities Group. Participated as an expatriot in building glass factories in Mexico, Germany, Korea, Shanghai, China, Xian, China, and Shijiashuang, China, as well as several US factory upgrades. Left Corning in 1990 to go South. (Too darn cold in upstate NY and too much foreign travel).
Signed on with Parker Hannifin at a division manufacturing precision metering pumps in July, 1990. I was the only electrical engineer in the division. Worked with many stateside customers and panel shops. Did make it out of the country once to Sitges, Spain for an Alcoa customer machine startup. Retired from Parker June 30, 2004.

Been interested in the ministry for a long long time. Too busy in my life to attend Seminary. In 1992, the Presbyterian Church (USA) encouraged elders to participate in a program called the Lay Preacher Certification. I was accepted in the program and completed my training in 1993. I filled in pulpits in many churches and in 2002 was given the opportunity to serve my a church full time. as the called pastor, retiring 12/31/2013.

We live in Woodbridge, Virginia near our youngest daughter, Marcia.

Between the USCG and civilian life and retirement, we have traveled abroad quite a bit. 2009 I made it to the 7th continent, as we visited Tangiers, Morocco, which gave me Africa. I've also sailed 6 of the 7 seas (Haven't made it to the Indian Ocean yet).

I guess that brings it up to date, as of May 7, 2023.

My favorite class was chemistry under Sam Halron. He made it come alive.
I met Sandi, my wife, in German club in 1959. We started dating over 50 years ago. Did not get married until Nov. 20, 1964. This year marks 59 years of wedded bliss. Sandra passed away December 16, 2023 from cancer.
I had several good friends in High School. It makes me sad that 3 have passed away: Verne Goodmanson, Jim Olson, Judy Clinton. Add to that Charles Gerard and Paul Iverson.
Since High School:
Went to the U of M 1960 - 1961, but decided I really didn't know what I wanted to do and enlisted in the USCG.
Service schools noted above.
Lay Preacher training listed above.
While stationed in Honolulu:
1978 BGS, CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU
1979 MBA, CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU

Live in Woodbridge, VA. Cell: (910) 624-2404.

Married to Sandi Christianson (Class of 1960) since November 20, 1964. Three children: Sonja, born 1968, married to Scott, two children, Gabriel born 1997 and Nathaniel born 1999.; Kristianjon, born 1971, married to Tessa, one child, Hannah born 1999; Marcia, born 1973, married to Paul, married to Paul, two children, Emily Mae born 2010 and Draek Edward born 2013.

Served in USCG from 1961 - 1981, retiring 1981. Worked for Corning Glass Works, now Corning Inc. from 1981 - 1990. Worked for Parker Hannifin from 1990 - 2004, retiring in 2004. Served as Commissioned Lay Pastor of First Presbyterian Church (USA) in Spring Lake, NC from 2002 - 2013.

Enjoy golf, bowling, wood butchering, reading and traveling.