District Governor's Biography

Fred grew up in Houston but finished high school and started college in Kilgore.  While on active duty in the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, he learned to speak German and was a class room teacher of drafting, math and the metric system.  He also enjoyed two years of TDY qualifying for the 5th Army Pistol Team, shooting the 45 Automatic in serious competition around the nation.
     After the Army he went to work in Texas City as a Machine Designer in the Petrochemical Industry.  During that time he became interested in local politics and civic work.  The travel involved encouraged him to learn to fly and with the help of the GI Bill he earned many ratings through ATP.  While learning to fly, he worked with his father-in-law in the lumber business in Texas City, where he began learning to speak Spanish.  For 25 years Fred was the President and Chief Flight Instructor of his own Part 91 flying school.  During that time he flew almost everything from Piper Cubs to 737s.  Earlier he worked in the engineering department of Lufkin Industries. 
     About 20 years ago he was invited to join the Rotary club of Texas City, and still has perfect attendance.  He later moved his famiy and busines to Sante Fe, Texas and became a member of that Rotary Club.  Fred is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, member of the District 5910 Roll of Fame and has received numerous Rotary awards and recognition.  He attended one Rotary International convention and every District Conference since he has been in Rotary.  He has held many offices in Rotary; Club Director, Sergeant At Arms, President, District Chairman, member of many District Committees, Assistant Governor and now Governor. (He says that is high enough in Rotary.)
     Fred has enjoyed four careers: Industrial Machine design, Commercial Aviation, Teaching and Small Business Owner.  All four careers have emphasized "Service Above Self."
     Fred holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an Associate of Science Degree and numerous technical courses in metallurgy, aviation, languages, leadership, management and technology.
     Fred has always enjoyed music.  He plays the piano and guitar.  As a musician he says he has one year experience about fifty times.  He enjoys a little opera, but mostly "Hill-Billy" (that is pre-country western).  One of his several hobbies is collecting and singing novelty songs. 
     He has one daughter, Pandy Sandberg, a past Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, three grand children and six great grand children.