Page 44 - 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.

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