JOSEPH HEYWOOD

According to the bio on his website: " I was born 10-18-43 in Rhinebeck, NY, son of a career USAF officer. My dad was from Rhinecliff, New York on the Hudson River in Dutchess County, and my mother is from Mize, Mississippi in Sullivan County. Talk about unlikely connections! Here’s an even more unlikely one. My mother’s maiden name was Hegwood and she had only to change one letter to convert to her married name.

I’m a 1961 graduate of Rudyard High School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Chippewa County). I played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track.

1965 graduate of Michigan State University (BA-Journalism). I played on the Michigan State Lacrosse Club for three years, crease attack, tri-captain in 1965. I was in the last class of mandatory ROTC for land grant universities and predictably chose the Air Force.

In 1965, I married Sandra V. Heywood (1943-2002) of East Lansing.  Five children, all grown, one dog. 

1965-1970, USAF Instructor Navigator, KC-135 tanker, honorably discharged as captain. Vietnam veteran. Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Graduate studies, Western Michigan University, 1974-75, completed course work for MA in English Literature; no degree.

I worked for The Upjohn Company [now Pfizer], 1970-2000, retiring as vice president for worldwide public relations.

I walk every day in all weather conditions, and have hunted and fished Michigan since 1958, mostly alone."