Page 45 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Alvin W. Jorgensen

2005-2006

Most Worshipful Brother Alvin W. Jorgensen was born in Seattle
and raised in Auburn. He was educated in the Auburn School
District, graduating from Auburn High School in 1962. His parents
were long-time residents of Auburn, where his dad was a
Greyhound bus driver and his mother a homemaker. Starting in his
high school years, Al became very involved in the Order of
DeMolay. It was through this involvement that he met Nancy
Hannon, the Chapter Sweetheart of Highline Chapter. They were
later to be married after his graduation from Washington State
University.

Al attended both the University of Washington and Washington State University, receiving his
degree in Business Administration from the latter. He and Nancy are hard-core “Cougs.” Having
participated in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps while in college, Al was
commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force upon graduation. A week later he and Nancy were
married, and the week after that found himself on active duty at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North
Dakota. This began a career that spanned more than 26 years. During his career he graduated from
pilot training and became an Air Force pilot, flying B-52 bomber aircraft. Nancy and Al made 16
moves during his career and lived in virtually every corner of the United States. His last assignment
was overseas in Germany.

During his Air Force career, Al held command positions at the flight, squadron, wing, and air
division levels. He also served as a Chief of Contracting at two Air Force Bases. In addition he
served as project manager at Strategic Air Command Headquarters and Executive Officer to
Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans of the Strategic Air Command. While in the Air Force he completed
two Masters Degrees, one in Aviation Management and one in National Security and Strategic
Planning. He graduated with honors from the Naval War College where he was an exchange
officer. Al retired from active duty in 1993 in the grade of Colonel.

After retirement Al and Nancy opened a Gallery and Custom Framing business with their oldest
daughter. Mom and Dad were to be the part time help but this had to be re-evaluated when it was
announced they were going to be grandparents. After some crash courses in retail operations they
operated a successful business for five years. During this time Al received an opportunity to return
to one of his passions, flying. He took a position with Flight Safety Boeing as a Flight Training
Instructor in the 747 and 777 aircraft. Nancy was able to run the family business but when the
lease expired she decided to retire and become a full time grandmother.