Engineering

I started working at TPJCC in 2005. Before JC I was in the US Navy for 26 years.

I grew up in St Johns and joined the Navy after graduation. The seamanship trade chose me. I was working as an Residence Advisor and the CTT Manager asked if I was interested in the Instructor position. I chose to go back to work because I found that retirement was boring.

My favorite part of the job and working with students is that fact that I enjoy the interaction with the students, especially when the proverbial light bulb lights up. The word “JOB” is not considered.

I think the most important thing students can or should learn from me besides the trade skills, I would say patience, organization, critical thinking, to enjoy their accomplishments.

My best advice to students heading out into the real world and trade environment is -- Don’t be afraid to fail, ask questions and make yourself valuable to the company.

When students complete trade or for those who have done something in an extraordinary manner we put their names on the wall of fame alongside previous graduates and they receive a custom Ironwood Engineering T shirt.

Engineering

When I finished school, I needed to find a job. I had heard there was good money in the commercial fishing industry, but I had no experience. So together with my dad, we built a boat and went fishing. I crossed the Columbia River bar for the first time in 1970 with a load of tuna. We sold our catch to Jessies in Ilwaco. From that point on, I was addicted to the money and knew I was destined for a life at sea.

Fast forward to now … I look back at all the things I’ve done. Times and the industries change and evolve as have my career choices over the years. 

The industry was good to me then and still is today. You can find me today, at Tongue Point encouraging young people to pick up where I left off and choose a good life in the Maritime Industry. 

Engineering

Engineering

Port Deck

A friend and Alumni of TPJJC Seamanship Program, Captain Allen Hovden - Sause Brothers Ocean Towing, had just signed up and told me about this Program, saying it was great way to get my AB Ticket.  

It was a no-brainer and I enrolled!  

I came through this very Seamanship Program back in September 1993 through June 1995.  It was hands down, one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made in my life!  

I chose a Career in the Maritime Industry because I witnessed many of my friends succeed in the industry. It provided security and stability and the means for a very comfortable life. It’s an industry that is never going away, simply because it is the best, safest and most efficient way to move large volumes of cargo from Point A to Point B with Credentialed Merchant Mariners.  

The Tongue Point Seamanship Program taught and trained me to be a Professional Mariner and set the pathway to success.  I have never had more opportunity to succeed in life than from working in this field!  Opportunities come from opportunities and they just kept coming, non-stop; with good old-fashioned hard work!  I love this Industry that gave so much to me and my Family. 

Working here now, teaching Students all about it, is my way of giving back.  The best part of being a Seamanship Instructor is getting that phone call from a Graduate and hearing about their Success!   

Port Deck

Starboard Deck

Mike has been a Seamanship / IBU Instructor since 2015.

After transitioning from the Coast Guard, with 23 years of honorable service as a Bosin Mate Chief.  He worked in the Maritime and Oil Spill Response industries as a Master Mariner, Project Manager and General Manager. 

A native of Croydon, Pennsylvania, Mike grew up in Manchester, Connecticut and honorably served for 4 years in the US Army. 

Mike is married to Kathy, they have been married for 28 awesome years.  They are the proud parents of 3 daughters, Ericka, Angela and Nikki, and a son Jason. They have 6 grandchildren and 1 on the way.  Mike loves to work on his tree farm, hang out with Kathy, and take out the boat. He still races Enduro Motorcycles. 

Starboard Deck

I started working at TPJCC in July 2019. I  grew up in Seaside, Oregon and graduated from Seaside High. I then attended and graduated from MERTS with a Vessel Operations Degree. I am married to Barbi England and I have six kids and three granddaughters.

My work history started in the mechanics shop while in High School, the forestry wildland fire while in college, and then 25 years in the US Coast Guard. One day I walked into a Coast Guard Recruiting Office and was promised travel and adventure and that’s what happened.

Gordon Treber found out I was bored being retired and Mike Sasso hounded me till I finally interviewed. Looked like a good mission to help out some good people.

My favorite part of the job and working with students is seeing the students get solid skills “when the bulb comes on”  and be productive citizens with a focus. 

The most important thing students can or should learn from me is the drive to keep moving up in the world. Continuously learning.

The best advice to students heading out into the real world and trade environment is to stay safe and be a good shipmate.

For completing students or for those who have done anything in an extraordinary manner I just give them good verbal recognition and to remind them to stay in touch so we can share in all their victories and accomplishments in the real world so that we can share with current students what is attainable if you try hard and work harder.

Galley Instructor

I started working at TPJCC in October 2012.  Before Job Corps i spent 12 years as a school food service manager and restaurant owner for 9 years.

I grew up on a small farm in Ohio. Moved to Southern California during my teen years. I went to Ricks College in Idaho and met my husband there and we got married 4 months later. I had 3 kids by the time I was 24. I love to scuba dive and any outdoor activity.

I saw an ad for a cook position in the paper for Job Corps and I spent 3 years in the food service department. I was the Assistant Manager and then moved to Seamanship Galley Instructor and absolutely love it! I wish I had found out about this place when I was younger.

I choose to work and Job Corps when I needed the job but soon found that I love working with the young adults

My favorite part of the job and working with students is giving them the knowledge that I have obtained over my 40 + years in this business.

I think the most important thing students can or should learn from me is to love your job/career! If you look forward going to work every day then you have found your passion!

The best advice I can give to students heading out into the real world and trade environment is to work hard, take initiative, ask questions when you are not sure about something, and give a helping hand to those that need it.

For completing students or for those who have done anything in an extraordinary manner we have a movie day on their last day in Galley and sometimes I cook for them on that day!

Administration Assistant