Edward Whalen was raised bilingual in Gonzales amidst a strong Hispanic culture. He graduated from GUHS, entered the US Navy then returned home after his service in the Korean War and honorable discharge. He graduated from SJSU with a B.A. in Sociology with an emphasis in Corrections. He is six units shy of a M.A. in Mexican/American studies which he dropped to obtain a lifetime credential to teach Administration of Justice and lower division Sociology at the Community College. He was married with a child (Wendy GUHS class of 1970). He went to work at Soledad Prison as a correctional officer in 1952. He was promoted to Sergeant, Correctional Counselor I & II then transferred to Salinas Paroles and was a Parole Agent II & III eventually becoming Unit Supervisor. He served on numerous boards during his work career and after retirement (8/1/88) he served for 12 years on the Retired Chapter Board of Directors and organized "Soledad Old Timers" reunions for 20 years. In retirement he taught seven years at Hartnell College and also taught D.U.I. classes and Traffic School for the National Safety Institute in Monterey County. He served nearly 20 years on the Citizen Advisory Committee, C.T.F. He was also a board member of Franciscan Workers of Junipero Sierra, Salinas. He spent 20 years in a Jazz Group and Symphonic Band playing trumpet. He also traveled extensively through Spain, Italy, U.S. & Mexico (where he has family in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico.) Ed resides in Idaho and is President of the Hispanic Seniors of Idaho. He is a volunteer, fundraiser and spokesperson for the Idaho Youth Ranch. Ed's incredible appetite for life has enabled him to live an adventurous and full life... one only his ancestors could have dreamed of.