1961
2006
Ralph Caleb Estes II
After graduation from Coral Gables High School in 1961 I entered the United States Air Force, were I would remain for the next 22 years. Upon completion of Basic Training at Lackland AFB TX, I went through thirty two weeks of electronics training at Keesler AFB, MS. This was followed by a two year assignment in Orlando FL, a year in Viet Nam, four years at Tyndell AFB, Panama City, FL. and four years in Germany. I returned to the states in 1973 and was assigned to Homestead AFB FL. After less than a year at Homestead, I was selected for duty with the White House Communications Agency. I was to stay at Homestead and support the Nixon residence on Key Biscayne, however when President Nixon resigned I was transferred to Camp David MD. were I remained until I retired in 1983. In my nine years at the White House I traveled extensively, providing communications support for the President, Vice President, First Lady and their Secret Service details. When I retired I was the Noncommissioned Officer in charge of the Camp David electronics section. After my retirement I moved to Minneapolis MN. and went to work for Honeywell Defense Systems which later became Alliant Techsystems. I remained there until November 2000 when I was offered and accepted early retirement.

I have been married twice. I have four children, eight grand children and two great grand children from my first marriage. My wife Debbie and I have a twenty-two year old daughter Adrienne who keeps me young. She will graduate this June from The University of Denver. Debbie is Director of Promotions and Events for Best Buy, at their headquarters here in Minneapolis. We met in San Francisco on a First Lady trip (Rosalynn Carter) Debbie was doing Press Advance for Mrs. Carter at the time.

I enjoy traveling, working out, working in the yard, riding my bike and reconnecting with old friends from Miami.