Womack began college in 1952 at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  He worked throughout his four years at school, beginning on the university farm, then in his sophomore and junior years working 35 hours a week as janitor at the university high school. His senior year, he carried mail for the Mens’ Residence Hall complex.  He graduated with a degree in political science and a commission as second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

During his twenty-one year career in the Air Force, Womack served as navigator in KB-50 aircraft, missile launch officer in the Titan II ICBM program, then returned to navigation in KC-135s.  He completed his service as a staff officer in charge of financial operations for non-appropriated funds at his base.  He served three tours in Vietnam, spending one year as Senior Mission Director responsible for directing B-52 bombers to their targets and ordering the release of bombs. 

During his last two tours of duty, Womack completed study and graduated from the Air War College, and also earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration, then began teaching business related college courses.

About The Author

John Womack began his work career in summer months during high school vacations in 1946 through 1949 working as a laborer for the illinois Central Railroad in Vicksburg, Mississippi.  After his family moved to southern Illinois, he continued working for the railroad during the summer, this time on the fire pits, as hostler (driving the steam locomotives to various places in the rail “yards”), and then as clerk. During these years he also worked as field hand in the farms surrounding his home, often driving horses in the fields, picking corn and “hauling hay”.

After Air Force retirement he moved to Tallahassee, Florida, and continued teaching, primarily at a small community college in southern Georgia.  Womack became the chairman of the business department as the college achieved its accreditation.  He has taught business-related courses in three states over twenty-four years.

He also worked with the State of Florida for thirteen years as Budget Director in Department of General Services,  Senior Auditor in the Department of State, and the Supervisor of Accounting Services in the Comptroller’s Office.

Since moving to North Carolina, he has worked as a small businessman marketing his photographic art and writing.