KEN-RUSSELL SLADE

Ken’s (Kęstutis Sladkevičius) paternal grandparents (Jonas Sladkevicius of Guronys--Zasliai, and Domincele/Dominyka Jozakeviciute/Jozukeviciute/Juozukeviciute of the Aukstaitija region), emigrated from their native Lithuania when they were teenagers, just prior to the outbreak of WWI.  Their other family members remained in Lithuania.  In the USA, the two met and were married in 1915.

Born in 1948, Ken became a professional musician by age 12, and soon thereafter an actor.  In prep school, he began studying Latin and French, and writing and editing publications.  He edited university journals throughout his decade-plus years of higher education in the Boston (MA/USA) area.  He earned a B.S. in economics, an M.Ed., a C.R.E, and a Doctorate in Law; with advanced studies at Harvard, Princeton, and Vilnius universities.  Before he began to practice law in 1979, he had been a producer of concerts, ballet, and grand opera.

In January 2004, Ken arrived in Lithuania, from Quebec (city; Canada) where he had lived for 13 years.  More recently, he has retired as an attorney of trial law, in the courts of various states and many USA federal jurisdictions, including practice as a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.  

He is now engaged full-time in his life-long primary interest:  writing -- usually about Lithuania, often text-editing (revising) LT-EN translations.   

Email: kenmunications@gmail.com  (or)  english.lithuania@gmail.com

DAVID HOLLIDAY

Wg Cdr David Holliday joined the British Royal Air Force in 1961.  He trained as a pilot and his first operational tour from 1964 to 1968 was spent flying Victor nuclear bombers carrying the American Blue Steel stand-off missile.  His Cold War targets were in the Baltic States, Belarus and Ukraine.  In 1968 the British nuclear deterrent was handed over to the Royal Navy and the Blue Steel fleet was disbanded.  After a tour as a flying instructor David returned to Victors, but this time in the Air-to Air refuelling role, again as an instructor.  This was followed by a tour in Moscow as an assistant Air Attaché (74-77).  In 1979 he was posted to France to be the Strike Command liaison officer with the French Air Defence Command.  The next ten years was spent in staff appointments in Human Intelligence.  David’s last tour (92-94) was as the first British Defence Attaché in Vilnius after Lithuania regained its independence.  He retired in 1994 and remained in Lithuania with his wife Migle, who he married in 1993.

Email : holliday@klaipeda.omnitel.net

JEFF LEWIS

Jeff spent his youth in Wales. Education included Science Technology (ST) qualifications supporting his Civil Service career starting with Royal Navy Supply & Transport Service (RNSTS) where duties including logistic support. 

On promotion he joined the RN & US Navy nuclear submarine project with responsibilities in UK & US Navy in Washington and Charleston.  Success brought secondment to Middle East projects. With his training and development skills was promoted to Human Resource Manager. He was later transferred to the Department for Education & Skills.

Jeff’s responsibilities included academic and vocational education including Information Communication Technology (ICT). Later he was promoted to Director of Business Education Partnership (BEP) developing the project for schools with Special Needs, colleges and Universities. He recruited corporate, utility, local companies and Chambers of Commerce into a successful partnership.

During this period he and Julia, his now ex-wife, had two sons Simon and Matthew of which he is very proud, both good at sport and progressing into professional careers. In 1997 Jeff transferred to the private sector and developed Management Information Systems Advisors & Associates (MISAA www.misaa.net). With associates known for quality solutions successfully contracted for work with both private and public sectors. Successfully applying for BCS membership a contract was also agreed to develop audit procedures for ECDL centres, resulting in 500+ accredited Government, Business and Education centres.

In 2002 MISAA prepared Latvia for entry into EU and in June 2004 agreed with UK Trade & Investment to manage a   trade mission to present in all three Baltic States vocational education and UK business. In Leeds & Bradford Science and Technology were developed including Aviation & Space in Education. Klaipeda University Professors visited these and invited Jeff to present to the Rector and Board. This was followed by a series of meetings with Departments and organisations.

New projects include Faulkes Telescope Project, developing an ICT Strategy, a new BEP between Camira Fabrics Ltd (UK) and UAB in Ariogala, Lithuania & Kaunas Applied Art School, Vilnius International Club & Vilnews (E-zine).  Jeff has now permanently moved to Vilnius.

Email: jeff.lewis@btconnect.com