G.J. “George” Reed worked for 44 years in the nuclear power field from the United States military naval nuclear program to the country’s commercial nuclear power industry.  Although love of music diverted some of his time throughout his life, nuclear power benefitted by his involvement, such as during his response to and actions taken as a result of the Three Mile Island accident – particularly his efforts afterwards to improve nuclear emergency planning at several US nuclear power stations around the US.  He spent six years in the US Navy serving on board the USS Truckee (AO-147) and the USS Billfish (SSN-676).  While on Billfish, he became Submarine qualified, Engineering Watch Supervisor qualified on the nuclear propulsion plant, was assigned as the Ship’s Machinist, and held a supervisory position in the ship’s Machinery Division. Over his career, he held positions as Quality Assurance Programs Manager, Corporate EP, Safety & Health Officer, Emergency Duty Officer, Nuclear Support Group Manager, Senior Project Consultant, Training Instructor, Machinery Division Supervisor, and Nuclear Plant Operator.  He worked at over 20 nuclear related facilities in both government and civilian applications, and visited numerous other facilities in the U.S., Canada and overseas.  He is a former member of several professional organizations including the American Society for Quality, the American Nuclear Society, the American Management Association, and the Health Physics Society; and served on various committees in support of standards development and utility performance improvement.  He and his wife Terrie have been married for over 50 years and have two children, George II and Jessica; which have blossomed to six grandchildren, Emma, Clara, George III, Arielle, Sierra and Samantha, and one great-grandchild, Ella.  He retired in 2017, giving him leeway to do genealogical research, write books, and to finally enjoy some time with his family and friends.

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The above are highlights of the life of G.J. Reed. His book, Happiness is a Cool Reactor, describes much of his professional career, and his book, The Real Night Order Book, describes some of his Navy experience. But before he entered adulthood, he grew up at a special place in Ohio called Circle W. Attached is an account of this farm, written by G.J. Reed (and has attachments written by others who had lived there), which is one of the stories created during his genealogical research of his family tree. His childhood on Circle W Farm was an amazing experience in itself. Click here to read his story about life on Circle W.