Originally from San Antonio, Texas Hector Rodriguez received his bachelor's degree in Geology from St. Mary 's University. He worked in the private sector in the 1980's developing policy and procedures for Resource Conservation Reclamation Act, especially Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Programs. He served three years in the United States Army assigned to the III Corp Engineering Intelligence providing detailed terrain analysis to battalion level command. He joined the Department of Energy in 1994 serving in the Environmental Compliance and Assurance Division at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Southeast Washington State. While at Hanford he managed site-wide numerous environmental programs and contributed to policy development, program implementation and project management. He transferred to National Energy Technology Laboratory in 2004 as sitewide manager and coordinator for environmental programs and related site projects. He retired from Federal service in 2016. He currently pursues various passions and interests including environmental issues and mega problems. He is currently working on solution to our desires and dependency on plastics. He is a gardening, scouter, writer, traveler, guitar/mandolin player, avid reader, actor, lecturer, investor, cycling fanatic, and award-winning cook. He is passionate about spending quality time with his family and friends. He considers himself a pretty good example of an aging, middle of the road boomer, coming to terms with his eventual demise but still disrupting the norm. He is an advocate for environmental issues, specifically the understanding of global warming, clean air and water issues, and sustainable plant based human existence. He believes the most important thing we can do is provide for the education of our families and the recognition that all lives matter and should be treated with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for education, including his.