 He received a bachelor of arts degree in education from the University of Omaha in 1958.In August 1960 he was assigned as vice commander, 3974th Combat Support Group, Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, and in May 1962, became commander of the group.After attending the Industrial College of the Armed Forces during 1963-1964, he underwent B-52 aircraft transition training at Castle Air Force Base, Calif.