Rabbit Run

I wrote this on post duty the other night. Post duty at a prison is driving around the outside, very slowly and making sure everything is secure. If by chance there was some movement or disruption to the electronic sensors, the officer would investigate and call the results in by radio. A rabbit in prison, is slang for an escapee, and the Rabbit Run is the area between the two outside fences. Each fence is usually about twelve feet tall, and covered from top to bottom in razor wire. Here's my song, just need to set it to music...

Rabbit Run

Headed down the rabbit run, a hundred miles an hour. One eye on the prison guard, the other on the tower.

They locked me up in 2004 for robbin' a convenience store.  I didn't wanna shoot the guy, but at that second it was him or I.

Sittin' here with all my friends, never going to make amends. My Mama cries both day and night, that's why I'm gonna make this flight.

If I can make it underground, I'll avoid the cameras or take a round. Don't wanna climb that thorny wire, it'll spill my guts before I tire.

Headed down the rabbit run, a hundred miles an hour. One eye on the prison guard, the other on the tower.

- G. Koerner, Jan. 22, 2014, 12:30am

The Daydawn is Breaking, a favorite hymn.

This isn't the first song I've shared on one of my blogs. Anyone who knows me, knows I love music, and knows I don't care who hears me when I sing.  The songs I love vary from hymns, to country and I have a partiality for old Baptist bluegrass.  Sometimes there are verses on religious music that I don't agree with, but that doesn't make the song any less worthy in my ears (or heart).  I even love a good patriotic song by Toby Keith or an occasional pop song.

The other morning I was driving post around the prison, making sure all was secure and the sun was rising, oh about thirty minutes before it actually came up.  Out of the blue, I just started singing the first line, "The day dawn is breaking, the world is awaking...".  The words popped into my head like I sang it yesterday, but in fact, I think its been over a decade.

The Day Dawn Is Breaking, no. 52
1. The day dawn is breaking, the world is awaking, The clouds of night's darkness are fleeing away. The worldwide commotion, from ocean to ocean, Now heralds the time of the beautiful day.

[Chorus] Beautiful day of peace and rest, Bright be thy dawn from east to west. Hail to thine earliest welcome ray, Beautiful, bright, millennial day.

3. Still let us be doing, our lessons reviewing, Which God has revealed for our walk in his way; And then, wondrous story, the Lord in his glory Will come in his pow'r in the beautiful day.

4. Then pure and supernal, our friendship eternal, With Jesus we'll live, and his counsels obey Until ev'ry nation will join in salvation And worship the Lord of the beautiful day.

Text: Joseph L. Townsend, 1849-1942
Music: William Clayson, 1840-1887

Property of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Rights and Use Information (Updated 2/21/2012) Privacy Policy (Updated 2/1/2012) © 2014 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.  Photo by Quiet Wallpapers.

Rope

What is it I love about rope?

You can tie it, bend it, mold it and format potters clay.  If you mess it up, it straightens out, over and over again for another day.

It's useful, decorative, conforms to my imagination and will.  When I'm done with it, I just put it down, and it waits for me so still to play another day.

Sadly, I'm afraid rope has other uses; like over the limb of a hangman's bough.  But proudly it does its job, serving its purpose, forever neutral to the user's intentions.

For me it will always be a useful, creative and trustworthy friend, that does its best to serve my needs.  Thanks rope!

- Gus Koerner, 01/22/14, 2:00am

Introduction and Timeline of Employment

I am employee with the Florida Department of Corrections.

I was hired May 10, 2013 as a Correctional Officer and went immediately to work at the Central Florida Reception Center (CFRC), Main Unit.

On July 1, 2013 I entered the Florida Corrections Academy, taught by FL DOC instructors in curriculum provided and over seen by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

September 11, 2013 I graduated from the Corrections Academy.

September 18, 2013 I passed the Correctional Officers Exam administered by FDLE.

October 18, 2013 I received my badge in a pinning ceremony held at CFRC.

At that time I continued working at the CRFC Main Unit until November 22, 2013 where I transferred to the CFRC, South Unit.

Edgar

Edgar! Hey Edgar! Where did you go, you little bastard?

I know you don't mind it when I call you that, because we're pals.

You come out to watch the drive around the prison, and sneak over to get some food.  It's hide and seek, or "sneak" I should say.

But in the end, you usually come out to greet me, and we share an apple or a carrot, then you go away; and I do too, until the next time.  Thanks for being my bud, you rascally a little raccoon.

Edgar , 1/22/14, 3:30am, by Gus Koerner
Photo by Wikipedia

My Professional Resume

RESUME/CURRICULUM VITA

DATE: January 20, 2014

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Correctional Officer
FL Department of Corrections
Central Florida Reception Center, Main Unit, Orlando, FL
May 10, 2013 to Present

Responsible for the care, custody and control of male inmates within the confinement of a prison system. Graduated from the FL DOC Corrections Academy, Orlando, FL September 11, 2013, Certified, September 25, 2013.
--
Transition Facilitator, 100-Hour Transition Program
Florida Department of Corrections
(Employed by General Data Kommunications Network, Pembroke Pines, FL)
Central Florida Reception Center, Main, East and South Units, Orlando, FL
October 10, 2012 to May 9, 2013

The 100-Hour Transition Program is a state mandated program which covers job readiness and life management skills, including the change process and criminal thinking; decision-making; problem solving; values and principles; goals and goal setting; social situations; health and wellness; substance abuse, addictions and recovery; families; employment; money matters; and community reentry.
--
Substitute Teacher, School Board of Brevard County (as needed, as available)
Under the supervision of the School Administration, as a Substitute Teacher, I instruct
students during the absence of a full time teacher, primarily high school science and mathematics.
September 2012 to Present
--
Small Business Owner/Trainer, First Steps Outdoors, LLC
First Steps Outdoors, LLC is an outdoor education company specializing in teaching individuals, families and other small groups elements of outdoor education including: Firearms Safety, Archery, Marksmanship and Navigation.
Self Employed July 2012 to Present
--
4-H Youth Development Agent
Univ. of Florida, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners
Employed: Sept. 2005 to July 6, 2012

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) / Brevard County, FL Extension Service working in youth and adult informal education of various topics related to science, technology and leadership. The major job focus areas include Organizational Management, Program Development and Sustainability, Volunteer Management and Youth Instruction.
--
Program Manager, Biological Research and Education
Employed: Aug. 2001 to Aug. 2005

On loan to NASA, serving as an Intergovernmental Personnel Exchange Agreement (IPA) through Utah State University. Responsible for developing concrete and lasting alliances between NASA, the Kennedy Space Center - Biological Sciences branch, other government agencies and industry, to collaborate in the continued advancement of crop research and education in space agriculture and its related disciplines. (See EDUCATION INVOLVEMENT AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS for more information.)

Co-author & Program Manager, Space Agriculture In The Classroom
Leading in conjunction with the US Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research Extension and Education Service the Space Ag In The Classroom program. This agency program uses NASA's Advanced Life Project's "Crops In Space" premise, with the to inspire the nation's children to have a greater interest in earth based food and fiber.

Education Manager, Advanced Life Support Integration
Coordination of all Advance Life Support education nationwide with universities and NASA field centers engaged in ALS research, while getting their message to the public. The universities include: Iowa State University, Texas Tech University, Purdue University, Texas Tech University, Tuskegee University, University of Florida, and Utah State University.

Plants, Soils and Biometeorology Department
Employed: May 1, 2001 to July 2001
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-4820
--
Advanced Life Support Project Manager & NASA Extension Specialist For Biological Research and Education

Tasked with developing a preliminary plan for including Advanced Life Support (ALS) activity into national outreach displays; develop and publish an ALS brochure; develop a catalog of relevant outreach publications and presentations that include video and electronic media; develop a plan to allow coordination and cooperation among a large number of institutions conducting ALS research and technology development, to include NASA Centers and universities with significant ALS funding.
--
Dynamac Corporation
Mail Code DYN-1
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Employed: April 1998 – April 2001

Project/Curriculum Manager, NASA – Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP), External Affairs & Spaceport Engineering & Technology Offices, Dynamac Corp., Kennedy Space Center, FL, http://slstp.nasa.gov, August 1998 to April 2001.

Plant Research Associate, Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program, Dynamac Corp. Kennedy Space Center, FL, August 1998 to April 2001.

Outreach Coordinator, ALS Program, Dynamac Corp. Kennedy Space Center, FL, August 1998 to April 2001.
--
Utah State University
Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology. Dept.
Logan, UT 84322-4820
Employed: March 1986- March 1998

Principal Research Technician/Educational Coordinator, Crop Physiology Laboratory, Utah State University, 1990 to March 1998.

Research Technician, NASA/CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) Project, Utah State University 1986-90.


EDUCATION:

Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-4820
B.S., Agricultural Education, 1988
Major: Agricultural (Secondary) Education, with an emphasis in Space Agriculture.
Dual Minors: Danish, Dairy Science

JOB-RELATED SKILLS AND DUTIES:

JOB-RELATED HONORS, AWARDS, MEMBERSHIPS, ETC.:

• FL DOC Corrections Academy, Physical Training Award, September 2013
• Regional Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year, FL FWC, May 2012
• Excellence In Action, Pulling Together Award, Nov. 05, Nov. 06, May 07-12
• Agency Honor Award, Group Achievement Award for NASA/Exploration Systems
• Human Space Research Education and Outreach Public Awareness, April 2005.
• NASA Nominee to the USDA REE, National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, April 2002.
• KSC Honor Award, Kennedy Space Center, May 2000.
• Team Award, NASA/Kennedy Space Center, 1999.
• High Energy Award, Utah State University, 1998.
• Finalist, Utah State University, Employee of the Year, 1992.
• Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, 1972.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• FL FWC (Game Commission), Hunter Safety Chief Instructor, Area Coordinator, 2008-Present 
• FL Field Representative Coordinator, National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, 2009-2013 
• Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals, President 2009-2010 
• National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, 2006-2011 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Discipline Training Received Date Certification Level
Correctional Officer FL Corr. Academy 09/25/2013 State

Shotgun 4-H Instructor Nov. 10 State (Level 1)
Archery NASP Oct. 09 State (Level 1)
Range Safety Officer NRA Nov. 11 National
Rifle NRA Nov. 11 National
Pistol NRA Nov. 11 National
Muzzle Loading Rifle NRA Nov. 11 National
Rifle 4-H Instructor Sept. 08 State (Level 1)
Range Safety Officer FL FWC Feb. 08 Florida
Hunter Education FL FWC Instructor Feb. 11 State
Shotgun 4-H Instructor Trainer May 11 National (Level 2)
Muzzleloading 4-H Instructor Jan. 07 State (Level 1)
Muzzleloading 4-H Instructor Trainer Mar 08 National (Level 2)
Muzzleloading Nat. ML Rifle Assoc. Mar 08 Instructor Trainer
Archery Nat. Field Archery Assoc. May 09 State (Level 1)
Archery 4-H Instructor Mar. 11 State (Level 1)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
EDUCATION INVOLVEMENT AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Developed the Outdoor Technology program for the University of Florida / IFAS Brevard County Extension, January 07 to present.

Senior Liaison, NASA Office of Biological and Physical Research to the US Department of Agriculture, August 2002 to Dec. 2003.

Technology innovation in partnership with Orbital Technologies Inc., in design and production of the Biomass Production System for Research and Education, (a portable controlled environment chamber), Small Business Innovative Research / Small Business Technology Transfer, John F. Kennedy Space Center, October 2003.

Project Lead for the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize existing relationships and foster new areas of cooperation between researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).  Signed Jan. 2001.

Lead Extension Agent for the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize existing relationships and foster new areas of cooperation between educators from the University of Florida / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Technological Research and Development Authority, January 2006.

Chair, ALS Education Outreach Working Group, NASA Code U, Washington, D.C., August 2000 to August 2005.
As part of the SLSTP Management Team Member, was the lead member in securing $50k support from USDA Discretionary Funds to provide increased recruitment of Hispanic and Tribal students to SLSTP and stipend awards to the class of 2001, September 2000.

As part of the SLSTP Management Team Member, was influential in securing $250k support from NASA Code M to pay for contract scientists time in mentoring the students. Spring 2000.

ALS Advisor and Teacher Mentor for Summer Industrial Fellowship for Teachers, Brevard Country School District, Viera, FL, Summer 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Co-Chair, Advanced Life Support Education Outreach Working Group, NASA Code UL, Washington, D.C., July 1999 to July 2000.

Plant Research Associate, Controlled Biological Systems Group (formerly known as Advanced Life Support Group), Dynamac Corp. Kennedy Space Center, FL, April 1998 to May 1998.

Human test subject, Evluation of Countermeasures for Motion Sickness, Dr. Dan Woodard, Bionetics, Corp., July 1998.

Human test subject finalist, Early Human Testing Initiative, Phase IIA, Advanced Life Support Group, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, September 1996.

PUBLICATIONS & PRESS RELEASES
Chuck Griffin, Gus Koerner, Ross Remiker, Tom Crabb, October 2003, Biomass Production Education System, Small Business Innovative Research / Small Business Technology Transfer, 2003 Program Year Report, NASA, John F. Kennedy Space Center.

Ed Osborne, Shannon Washburn, Gus Koerner, Kathleen Cullinan, August 2003. Growing Space Vol. I and Vol. II, a nationally distributed magazine for 6th through 8th grade students and teachers. Growing Space is a product of the Space Ag In The Classroom program.

Bruce Bugbee, Gus Koerner, Rulon Albrechtsen, Wade Dewey, and Shyrl Clawson, July 2001, Registration of 'USU-Perigee' Wheat variety, Utah Agriculture Experiment Station and The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Bugbee, B. and G. Koerner, 1997. Yield Comparisons and Unique Characteristics of the Dwarf wheat cultivar “USU-Apogee. Adv. Space Res. 20:1891-1894.

Bruce Bugbee, Gus Koerner, Rulon Albrechtsen, Wade Dewey, and Shyrl Clawson, April 1996, Registration of 'USU-Apogee' Wheat variety, Utah Agriculture Experiment Station and The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NSSL Reg. no. 331390.01; PI 592742. Note: USU-Apogee and Super-Dwarf are the primary wheat cultivars for research and use in space, developed at USU in the Crop Physiology Laboratory and adopted by the NASA ALS program.

Bugbee, B. B. Spanarkel, G. Koerner, S. Johnson, and O. Monje, 1994. CO2 Crop Growth Enhancement and Toxicity in Wheat and Rice. Advances in Space Research 14:257-267.

Barnes, C., T. Tibbitts, J. Sager, G. Deitzer, G. Koerner, D. Bubenheim, and B. Bugbee. 1993. Accuracy of Quantum Sensors Measuring Yield Photon Flux and Photosynthetic Photons Flux. HortScience 28:1197-1200.

B. Bugbee, O. Monje, G. Koerner and S. Johnson. 1993. Studies on Resource Optimization of Wheat. NASA Principal Investigators meeting, Washington, DC.

RECENT WORKSHOPS CONDUCTED

Multiple teacher workshops (22) conducted in: Precision Agriculture, Beginning Through Intermediate GPS/GIS Education, Introduction To The Global Positioning System And Geocaching,

Sustainable Agriculture In Space And On Earth. Oct. 05 to present.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Volunteer, Titusville Police Department, Citizen Watch Program, in application.
• Blog Column: Mr. Gus Outdoors, www.MrGusOutdoors.com, Nov. 2009 to Present.
• Blog Column: Voice of Truth Ministry, http://votministry.blogspot.com, Sept. 2011 to Present.
• Volunteer, Women’s Center of Brevard, Parrish Medical Center, Titusville, FL. 2011 to Present
• Volunteer, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Citizens On Patrol, 2011 to Present
• School Advisory Council, Imperial Estates Elementary School, Titusville, FL, 2005 to 2011.

PERSONAL

Upon Request.

REFERENCES

Upon Request

I attest to the truthfulness of this document.