I knew both Thero Wheeler and Russel Little when I was teaching electronics at CMF Vacaville in the mid-70s to early 80s. Both were interesting and intelligent men.
My "relationship" with either man was peripheral to my teaching efforts. I really have to push my memory, never great to begin with, back over 30 years to recall anything remotely specific. I know that Thero had some electronics background. It is possible that he was enrolled in the electronics program prior to my arrival.
The prior instructor had obviously no belief that anyone he "taught" would ever stand a chance of getting a job, so his material was at least 15 years behind state of the art. He also had no standards, so anyone who wanted could sign up and stay in the course regardless of whether or not he was learning anything.
That changed right away, as I had high standards and personally guaranteed a job to anyone who completed at least the first course (500 hours, 6 months). But I had an entrance math requirement and although I personally hated to fail anyone, I had to clear the class of people who had no possible chance of completing even the beginning course.
Also, a lot of them quit voluntarily when they knew they were going to have to meet performance standards, and were only there because it was an easy assignment.
So, my best guess is that Thero was in the class when I started back in 1976, and I am positive it was he who introduced me to Russell Little. Although it may have happened more than once, I only recall meeting Russell once. As I barely and certainly incompletely recall, Russell had no interest in the course, but rather Thero had told him about me, and I think, since he and I were approx. the same age, I think he just wanted to check out the new long-haired electronics instructor. I recall him as being intelligent but I cannot provide any specifics on any conversation.
It also now vaguely occurs to me that another reason I might have met Thero is my extremely vague recollection that he might have been an assistant to the librarian as a job assignment. That would fit nicely with my likewise vague recollection that he might have been a "jailhouse lawyer."
It was my policy not to ask what someone was in for, especially not my students. I was there to teach, not to judge, and I did not want to run the risk of becoming biased after learning someones's offence. So, I wasn't sure what either Thero or Russell was in for. I had of course heard of the SLA, and I knew they were both involved, but they weren't incarcerated at the same time. Thero had been in for a while by the time Russell was committed.
I think that's about all I can recall on the subject. Thanks for your interest.
I knew both Thero Wheeler and Russel Little when I was teaching electronics at CMF Vacaville in the mid-70s to early 80s. Both were interesting and intelligent men.
That is intriguing! If you'd ever like to speak about your time with these men, please let me know.
My "relationship" with either man was peripheral to my teaching efforts. I really have to push my memory, never great to begin with, back over 30 years to recall anything remotely specific. I know that Thero had some electronics background. It is possible that he was enrolled in the electronics program prior to my arrival.
The prior instructor had obviously no belief that anyone he "taught" would ever stand a chance of getting a job, so his material was at least 15 years behind state of the art. He also had no standards, so anyone who wanted could sign up and stay in the course regardless of whether or not he was learning anything.
That changed right away, as I had high standards and personally guaranteed a job to anyone who completed at least the first course (500 hours, 6 months). But I had an entrance math requirement and although I personally hated to fail anyone, I had to clear the class of people who had no possible chance of completing even the beginning course.
Also, a lot of them quit voluntarily when they knew they were going to have to meet performance standards, and were only there because it was an easy assignment.
So, my best guess is that Thero was in the class when I started back in 1976, and I am positive it was he who introduced me to Russell Little. Although it may have happened more than once, I only recall meeting Russell once. As I barely and certainly incompletely recall, Russell had no interest in the course, but rather Thero had told him about me, and I think, since he and I were approx. the same age, I think he just wanted to check out the new long-haired electronics instructor. I recall him as being intelligent but I cannot provide any specifics on any conversation.
It also now vaguely occurs to me that another reason I might have met Thero is my extremely vague recollection that he might have been an assistant to the librarian as a job assignment. That would fit nicely with my likewise vague recollection that he might have been a "jailhouse lawyer."
It was my policy not to ask what someone was in for, especially not my students. I was there to teach, not to judge, and I did not want to run the risk of becoming biased after learning someones's offence. So, I wasn't sure what either Thero or Russell was in for. I had of course heard of the SLA, and I knew they were both involved, but they weren't incarcerated at the same time. Thero had been in for a while by the time Russell was committed.
I think that's about all I can recall on the subject. Thanks for your interest.
Bud
Thank you for sharing!