Pierce Hooper

After graduation from Irving High, I attended UTA to major in Aerodynamic and Aeronautical Engineering. I graduated in 1975, and immediately went to work for General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), on the new F-16 Lightweight Fighter Program. I specialized in Aerodynamics engineering design and Flight Mechanics. In 1978, I was sent to Edwards Air Force Base in California for a two year business trip, to work on the F-16 flight test program. During that time, I met a young California girl, Melinda (Mendy), and we were married in early 1979, and moved back to Texas. Our son David was born in 1982. After our unfortunate divorce in 1984, I engaged in a lot of world travel for General Dynamics, to Europe and the Middle East. I have been very fortunate to have been employed at GD/LM for 34 years. I am currently a senior project manager on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

I think I still have one of the original "Spirit Sticks" from our Tiger football games. I am still trying to find it, somewhere in the attic.

Big Irvi