For more than 50 years, Howard Mende has served as a mechanical engineer, providing his skills and expertise with Rockwell International, AiRsch. Manufacturing Company, and Defense Contracts Management West. In his current role with DCMA, he works with the government and monitors contractors in accordance with the best industry practices. Mr. Mende became involved in his profession because his father was a mechanic but encouraged him to pursue the engineering line of work for its benefit. With this advice, he first earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering at the University of Hawaii in 1969 and then a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California in 1975. In addition to being a registered engineer with the State of California, he maintains professional affiliation with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Throughout his career, Mr. Mende has always supported his coworkers and worked towards the best possible outcomes for every project. When he started in his career at Rockwell, he worked closely with Dr. George Robert Talbert, who acknowledged him in his book, “Philosophy of Unified Science.”