User:Rclintonh1949

Robert Clinton Harris, born July 23, 1949, in Enid, Oklahoma. Father: Lewis Karl Harris. Mother: Bonita June (Lingo) Harris. Robert moved with his father and brother (Richard Karl Harris) to Sand Springs, Oklahoma shortly after birth. His mother passed away shortly after giving birth.

Robert attended elementary school at Mark Twain Elementary (K-5). After the family moved to East Tulsa, he completed the 6th grade and Junior and Senior High School at Union Consolidated School.

After high school Robert joined the United States Air Force on June 13, 1967. He served as a Data Computer Specialist, Administrative Clerk and finally as Historian for the 91st Strategic Missile Wing, 6th Strategic Wing, Headquarters 15th Air Force, and 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He retired as an E-7 (Master Sergeant) on February 1, 1989. Among honors and recognition during his military service Robert was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (upon his retirement) Air Force Commendation Medal (4 times), Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, and numerous other citations. While assigned to the 15th Air Force History Office and under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Casey, PhD, he and his co-workers received the "Outstanding USAF Numbered History Office Award in 1984, 1985, and 1986.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Robert was interested in photography at an early age and began taking pictures with a Kodak Brownie Hawk Eye and black and white film. After joining the Air Force he was able to purchase higher quality cameras and with temporary duty assignments had access to a broader range of subjects. Throughout his Air Force career he entered local photography contests sponsored by local camera clubs and the Air Force Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department. His photographs garnered 15 First Place, 9 Second Place and 2 Honorable Mentions in MWR competitions. His highest award was a First Place finish in Color Print Scenic at the 1974 Strategic Air Command photography contest. After retirement he worked with a local school photographer in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho before going into business for himself. Robert gave up the professional side of photograph for several years until digital, auto-focus cameras came of age. He was unable to manually focus film SLR cameras due to progressively worse eyesight. However, with the vast improvements in DSLR equipment he now enjoys scenic and wildlife photography and has sold many of his photos to enthusiastic buyers. Robert also is an avid golfer and repairs, refurbishes and builds golf clubs for other golfers.

In 1998, Robert moved his wife Ann F., daughters Jennifer Elizabeth and Bonita June back to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he now resides. After taking a class computer graphic design at Tulsa Community College he began creating computer generated art. To date he has entered five of these pieces in the Tulsa State Fair. He has received three First Place, and one Second Place awards. He continues to refine both his photography and art.

In December 2013, Robert moved to Sierra Vista, AZ to join his wife (Ann Fawcett Harris) who moved three months earlier. This move was necessitated by recent medical problems with Ann's parents Kent and Bertha Fawcett. His two daughters Jennifer E. Rogers and Bonita June Harris remain behind in Oklahoma with their own family and friends. His son Michael A. Harris resides in Florida. Michael is also a wonderful scenic and wildlife photographer in his own right.

Rclintonh1949 (talk) 05:29, 2 February 2012 (UTC)