Welcome to my website! My name is Charles Hayes, and I’m excited to share a bit about my journey with you.
Born in Tampa, Florida, I moved to Colorado at the age of 12, where I grew up in the town of Castle Rock. After graduating from Douglas County High School, I took a pivotal step in my life by joining the U.S. Army. I was stationed in Mannheim, Germany, where I not only served my country but also embarked on a personal journey of growth. During my time there, I taught myself to read, write, and speak German fluently, immersing myself in the language and culture. This dedication allowed me to explore technical manuals and history books in German, further enriching my understanding of the world.
It was in Germany that I met and married a wonderful woman named Marie, a partnership that has brought me immense joy. We exchanged our vows in a beautiful German church, conducted entirely in the German language, which made the experience all the more meaningful.
Our journey began with a memorable first date, riding my motorcycle along the Rhein River late at night. It was a magical evening until our adventure took a sudden turn when we were hit by a car. I spent three months in the hospital recovering from the accident, while Marie, thankfully, sustained only a broken toe. Despite the harrowing experience that could have changed everything, Marie stood by my side, unwavering in her support and love. Remarkably, she still chose to marry me, and we have been happily married ever since. Our shared experiences have only strengthened our bond, and I am grateful for the adventure that life has brought us together.
After my honorable discharge from the Army, I pursued my passion for technology by enrolling in the Avionics program at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Engineering. There, I gained hands-on experience in diagnosing and repairing various avionics systems, including communication, navigation, radar, instrument landing systems, and autopilot systems.
My career took off when I spent six years as an electronics test engineer, during which I taught myself the C programming language and delved into the realm of computer science. This self-education laid the foundation for my entry into software engineering, and in 2000, I landed my first job as a software engineer with Sun Microsystems. Since then, I have continued to expand my skills and expertise, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow in this dynamic field.
Today, I work on federal contracts for the military, developing innovative software solutions for defensive cyber operations in space. I am passionate about leveraging technology to make a meaningful impact, and I look forward to what the future holds.
Thank you for visiting my site! Feel free to connect with me to learn more about my work or to discuss shared interests.