Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Gunter.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in Hawaii and raised all across the USA. Father was a senior Medic in the Air Force. Mother was a Korean War Vet.
All of my life I have had strong interests in Rockets, Electricity and things that go BANG. Small model rockets as a young person and flying with friends was always a great afternoon. Into High School I was a member of the AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.) Out of high school I joined the US Army. Somehow I managed to become a Military Policeman with a background in explosives. At my exit of the military I studied Electrical Engineering and Industrial Electrical installation. I worked many jobs at various power plants while living in Georgia. A change in life circumstances hit me and I resettled in North Carolina. Working a few years as an industrial electrician then being blessed with the ability to start with Traffic Signals installation and wiring. I gained that knowledge and moved into Signal Electronics and Programming. My last 15 years doing actual work was as a Traffic Signal Electronics Tech for state and local governments.
I was medically retired in 2013 so I bought a small house in the country near Hurdle Mills NC. Good luck for me, this house had a 20′ X36′ barn. Perfect for the woodworking and rocket building. Remember the ROCKETS?
During the years I was invited to speak at a few of the local schools about the rockets along with the science, history and social impact they have.
In 2014 a friend of mine came to me with the crazy idea of building a couple of BIG projects. I am retired so I had time. I told him to supply materials and I would design and build most anything. BUT, he had to make it pretty
The first project was a 1/2 scale Nike Ajax Anti Aircraft Missile. Ladies and gents, this rocket was 20 feet long and weighed 300 pounds BEFORE propellant and parachutes were installed. OH YES….. With the rocket in the works he pointed out the need for a Launch Tower with remote ignition and a way to raise and lower the rocket to the proper launch angle. I forgot to mention that every piece of this project was made from Recycled materials except altimeters and engines.
Our second project began when he showed up with a movie prop. A replica of a Russian ICBM.
We started gathering materials and I started a full design of the new project “A 21 foot long Rocket Grill”
I built this thing on a 4X8 Harbor Freight folding trailer. We acquired materials from different auctions and scrap yards.
I will attach pictures for you.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Struggles??? Yes there have been some. I was medically retired because my knees and back were falling apart.
I lost my wife, Step dad and mother during COVID shutdowns and I lost my granddaughter last year to an overdose of Nitrous Oxide.
And as a veteran, I was blessed with prostate cancer and hearing loss.
Life is full of battles and choices. We can sit around complaining and hope the troubles go away or we can get off our butts and fight them. I chose to fight and so far I am on the winning side of life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I believe what sets me apart are a few things I do different than others. I am not afraid to try something new.
I wanted to know how to build a house. Therefore I spent time and learned most of the aspects of home construction.
I wanted to learn about flowers and arrangements so I interned at a greenhouse/florist shop for 2 summers.
I wanted to learn how to work on cars. I asked my dad and he taught me some then introduced me to others that professional mechanics.
When it comes to the rockets and launch systems or platforms, I thank the US Army for allowing me to take part in research and design.
When I start with a new design, I usually start with a pen and scrap of paper. Shortly after, I have my design and I work out the math as I go along. I was very fortunate growing up being blessed with the ability to learn quickly AND to have parents and teachers that allowed me to try different things in life.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
11 Angel flights out of SE Asia.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotallyWickedRocketShop/ and https://www.facebook.com/TripoliNorthCarolina/
