John Odell served 22 years in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1986, retiring as a Lieutenant (O-3E). A Navy Mustang, John rose from Seaman Recruit to Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) before commissioning and serving as an Electronics Materiel Officer and Department Head. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland University College. Following his naval career, John worked for more than two decades in engineering and facilities management roles supporting Naval Electronics Systems Command and private industry. He and his wife, Portia, have lived in Penrose, North Carolina since 2012.