Bolivar, Missouri, United States
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. ...Ralph Waldo Emerson One of the great joys of being a military retiree is the freedom to pursue a follow-on career by choice rather than necessity. I spent 24 years doing what I loved as an E-3 AWACS Evaluator/Instructor Airborne Radar Technician. During that time, I flew more than 6,000 hours, deployed extensively, traveled to 44 countries and 46 states, and supported real-world contingency operations protecting our nation and its leaders alongside some of the finest men and women I have ever known. Since retiring, I have continued serving in meaningful ways. I have worked with youth from early childhood through high school as both a teacher and family advocate, ensured the safety of animals and their owners as an Animal Control Officer and Humane Investigator, and am now returning to my agricultural roots by developing Oil & Petal Lavender Farm, LLC. About Joseph A. (Andy) Reno Andy is a servant-leader dedicated to developing the personal and professional growth of those he serves while delivering exceptional productivity and service to the organizations he represents. He blends organizational priorities, operational and emergency management, and genuine care for people to develop high-caliber professionals. His experience includes 24 years of military service and aviation safety, six years in public education, and five years as a Lead Animal Control Officer and Humane Investigator. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety and Emergency Management, and associate degrees in Aviation Management, Avionics and Radar Systems Technology, and Logistics. Andy has taught at both secondary and post-secondary levels and is a lifelong learner. An avid photographer for more than 40 years, he is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Media Arts, with graduation expected in early 2027. People, safety, incident recovery and mitigation, and teaching have always been his top priorities. His leadership has contributed to successful outcomes in emergency response, aircraft accident investigations, animal abuse cases, and the prevention of multiple suicide attempts among veterans and civilians alike.
Oil & Petal Lavender Farm has been a dream of ours for many years. My wife, Betty, and I have long wanted to break from the dependency of the traditional workforce and return to our roots of growing up on the farm. With the purchase of our current property, we saw the opportunity to bring this dream to reality! Oil & Petal is still a work in progress. We have close to 1000 plants in the ground, and had a great harvest this year! Once the plants have matured, we will ramp up our product production and move into active agritourism with seasonal "U-Pick" and an onsite store and venue, so stay tuned!
Honorably Discharged US Air Force Combat Veteran with over 6,000 flight hours as an Evaluator/Instructor Airborne Radar Technician on the E-3 Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft, and dual-hatted as the First Sergeant for the 400+ member, world-wide deployable 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron! Forged in Fire, Rules the Sky!
Bolivar High School, Bolivar, MO Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (AFJROTC) Instructor (Grades 9 - 12) Directly supervised 500(+/-) student leaders Leadership Education Diversity & Ethics Management Cultural Awareness Personal & Organizational Safety Emergency Management Crisis Management & Mitigation Mental Health Awareness Suicide Awareness and Prevention Nutrition & Exercise Community Volunteer Manager Drone Flight Operations Director & Instruction Firearm Safety Instructor National Champion Air Rifle Marksmanship Team Coach
964th Airborne Air Control Squadron Above and beyond anything listed in my job duties and titles for this assignment, I must say, being a First Sergeant was the highlight of my time. Even more than just being responsible for the professional mentoring, I grew to understand how much I care for people on all levels. Having dealt with many wonderful aspects of people's lives, I also helped three active duty and one dependent avoid the permanent choice of suicide as a means of dealing with life's problems. Sadly, I did lose one when I first arrived. Throughout my remaining time in this position and even into the positions I've held after leaving the Air Force, suicide prevention became my primary focus above and beyond my official duties. Never again, if I can do anything, will I lose another person to this dreadful choice. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Patrol Military Customs Inspector Senior Personnel Manager Directly supervised 23 Airmen Responsible for the professional/personal development and well-being of 400+ Squadron personnel and their dependents Ethics, Diversity, & Inclusion Avionics Systems Expert, Boeing 707, E-3 AWACS Standardization & Evaluations Instructor/Evaluator Radar Maintenance Technician
Owner/Lead Photographer
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education
Lead Animal Control Officer & Humane Investigator Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certified Public relations/enforcement for 10,000+ citizen city for all Animal Control Ordinances Responsible for establishing police department operating guidelines in accordance with Department of Agriculture guidelines, municipal codes, and state laws. Developed investigation and enforcement protocols concerning all aspects of animal control and animal abuse/neglect. Educate/assist animal owners to enable them in providing proper care and treatment of domestic animals, or in worse case scenarios, remove animals from documented abusive/neglected environments. Document and cite animal owners/caretakers for violations of municipal codes and laws. Provide expert witness documentation and testimony in court as necessary for criminal prosecution.