Biography - Bill Dahlberg

Billy was born and raised in San Diego, CA in 1965, but he claims that life didn't really begin until 1993 when he married his wife, Elizabeth. (That statement ought to be good for at least two J reloads, don't you think, Liz?)

Bill started working as a diesel mechanic after school and took a job with Scripps Institution of Oceanography as a member of the Engineering Department. Bill sailed on research ships from across the South Pacific and north to the Bering Straits. Bill then went to sea for four years with the Merchant Marine. He has the tattoos to prove it.

After his years at sea, Billy joined the rest of us land lubbers and continued working in the field of diesel repair. It was love at first sight when Billy met Elizabeth in a San Diego billiard hall. They got married and moved to Phoenix, AZ shortly afterward. Bill now works for Cummins Rocky Mountain in the high-horsepower center rebuilding BIG engines for copper and coal mining trucks.

Bill and Elizabeth have two daughters -- Sabrina and Isabel -- who both enjoy rockets nearly as much as their dad. They also have a growing photography business, Naturally Lit Photography, which Billy has been craftily matching up with his interest in rocket flight.

Over his lifetime, Bill has immersed himself in drag boat racing, scuba diving, archery hunting, and beer brewing. (Be forewarned -- when Bill starts something, he never does it halfway.) Bill met up with the Vatsaas clan attending a Bible study at Brad's house. Bill kept eyeing the front door until they went out to the garage to look at the rockets -- there Bill decided that Brad really was a lunatic, but in a way that might be fun.

Bill may look like a hired killer, but everyone who knows him will tell you that he's a real sweetheart. In the time we've known him, Bill has been a great source of help, encouragement, and support. He has been there for construction, flights, certifications, and the occasional knee-capping or turf rumble.