My name is Richard B. Christie, and I was born in New Jersey in 1944. After graduating from school, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Once my military service was complete, I discovered a passion for the complexities involved in special testing and critical adjustments required for large industrial and high-performance sterile air and water systems. These systems, which I specialized in, involve intricate processes such as air filtration, water purification, and the maintenance of sterile conditions. They are commonly found in hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and research laboratories, including operating rooms, sterile production suites, and specialized testing facilities.
My career, which involved detailed technical writing and preparing validation procedures for these systems, was more than just a job; it was a passion. The work took me across the USA and around the globe, necessitating frequent travel abroad. This dedication spanned nearly fifty years and was a testament to my commitment.
When not traveling, I typically spent my time at home in New Jersey or skiing in Vermont during most winter weekends. As a volunteer Certified Ski Patroller (#190) and a member of the National Ski Patrol System, I was trained in advanced first aid, remote mountain rescue, and evacuation procedures.
After retiring and moving to Florida in 2010, I sought new ways to stay engaged and active by joining several local groups as a volunteer historical reenactor focused on early American history. Living near the old city of St. Augustine and dressed in attire reminiscent of the early Spanish period, I enjoyed demonstrating and narrating significant historical events from the 16th to the 18th centuries. These events included the founding of St. Augustine, the struggles of the early settlers, and the interactions between the Spanish and the indigenous people.
I am an avid reader. Because I used to travel on long-distance flights frequently, I enjoy reading a mix of thrillers, mysteries, history, and suspense novels by several renowned authors. My passion for reading, combined with the inspiration drawn from my technical experiences, has motivated me to create and write new stories that incorporate many of these special themes.
The books of the 'Navy Special Investigation Unit' (NSIU) do just that, inviting readers into their world of imagination and creativity. If they share my love for reading and writing, they might find these stories particularly engaging.