Gary Blome has been an affiliate member of IEEE since 1993. While he is not an electrical engineer, Gary feels that the greatest benefit of his IEEE membership is his ability to stay abreast of the latest developments in the fields of electrical engineering and computing technology. Gary spent 20 years in the Air Force where he had the task of maintaining, operating, and insuring the safety of intercontinental ballistic missiles, which he credits for his appreciation of the engineering field.

Gary originally decided to donate to the IEEE Foundation when he was completing his IEEE membership application in the 1990s. After his giving lapsed, he had the opportunity to respond to an organizational questionnaire and visit its website ieeefoundation.org. This experience caused Gary to realize that, “the Foundation deserved a share of my annual philanthropic budget since the integrity of the organization, the worth of its goals, and the quality of its management are above reproach.”

Gary directs his monthly donation to the Foundation Fund so that his gifts go to where they are needed the most. “I chose to begin automated monthly contributions to the IEEE Foundation Fund, since that choice seemed to reinforce the ability of the Foundation to meet project contingencies.”

Gary believes that it is important for all IEEE Members to be involved, because, “the future demands that the IEEE remain a healthy and vibrant international professional association that performs good works and encourages the continued interest of future generations in its field(s).”