Good timing. John Rietveld ’64 launched his career early in the age of computer science, first in the Army and then installing computer systems for the Department of Defense. While at SHS John was active in Youth For Christ and in his church’s youth group which he served as president.
In 1972, upon completing his second tour in Korea, John was assigned to the Army’s Computer Science School, teaching programming languages to fellow soldiers. The Army then selected him to attend the University of Central Texas to obtain a computer science degree. He graduated in 1974 when he also earned a certificate in data processing. At the Army’s Computer Science School, he wrote the first computer-assisted instruction course and was on the team that installed a new IBM computer that allowed courses to be taught interactively. In 1982, he earned a master’s in information science from the University of Central Texas.
In Europe John supported all Army IBM sites as well as five mobile IBM mainframes that could be relocated as needed. During his twenty years in the Army, for his work in the computer field, he was awarded three Army Commendation Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. After retiring from the Army he remained in Europe, joined Electronic Data Systems and led a team that upgraded 14 military computer centers in Germany, Belgium and Italy. Upon his return to the states, he supported IBM mainframe installations until his retirement as a senior systems software engineer. He retired again – sort of. Relates a fellow alum, “John is in a study at the University of North Florida to learn if computerized training exercises can reduce risk of cognitive impairment or dementia.”