Don Atkinson | Colorado Springs, CO

Don lives in the Colorado Springs area after retiring from a long career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. Don has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Arts Education from California State University, Fresno with a lifetime teaching credential and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of Oklahoma. Don had five years teaching experience in California before joining the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, most of his career was in aircraft maintenance and logistics. He commanded two aircraft maintenance squadrons, was the U.S. Air Force Chief of Maintenance and Munitions for the Middle East and worked several base level and headquarters positions dealing with aircraft and space sustainment. Don joined Friends in 2013 and became active in 2014 working on numerous restoration projects. He was the team leader for Rotary Snowplow OY’s structural restoration and C&TSRR Caboose 0306 and 05635’s upgrades. He is also one of the primary organizers for Friends sponsored rail photo charters. Don is a member of the Projects Committee and works as the Team Leader Coordinator. When not working on narrow gauge equipment or taking photos of the C&TSRR and Friends activities his hobbies include travel, chasing steam locomotives around the country, photography and woodworking.