Robert "Bob" Roggendorff, might have been known as a maverick when he was at Ponca Military Academy, but his energy and the lessons learned, have been put to good use over the years. Currently he and his wife Linda own Additive Systems Inc., in Tulsa.

His first stint at PMA came with a six weeks summer session in 1963, because he needed a half credit to enter high school.

After two full years, Bob graduated with the much coveted high school diploma in 1965. He explains that his father wanted him to have a high school diploma so he could get a "good" job.

During those years, Bob admits he was not exactly a model cadet, because he would take off exploring and be absent without leave (AWOL). He says this was not done to get away from the PMA, but for adventure. When he came back to the Academy he often wore a path marching around the flagpole, where the discipline was administered. Major Baker was not happy with him.

Dedicated Teachers

About his instructors and their attempts to "straighten" him out, Bob says, "They did a pretty good job for what they had to work with." His dad would have sent him to college, but Bob notes that he wasn't cut-out for higher learning. "In those days they never heard of ADHD or hyper activity," he said.

Capt. Wayne Honeyman and Capt. Byron Moore are given a "tremendous amount of credit" for molding Roggendorff into a worthwhile responsible adult. Over the years Bob had kept in touch with these dedicated teachers.

Bob played basketball for Capt. Moore and had history class with him as well. "He shared so very much more than just those two items," Bob explained.

Bob lived with Moore and his wife Gladys and their sons Bill and Fred for a few days after returning to Ponca City from Kansas in 1967. The Roggendorffs spent many evenings playing Spades with Capt. Moore and his wife Sandy.

The Roggendorffs and six month old son Chad moved back to Ponca City in 1967. Another son Shae was born in 1969 in Ponca City. The first apartment they rented was at Sixth Street and West Avenue for $25 every two weeks. "It was pretty sparse," Bob said. The Jim Helton family was a big help to the Roggendorffs.

"I share this because I want everyone to know that the PMA and the people of Ponca City know that they were a force of change in our lives," Bob explains.

Founded Company

In 1984, Linda and Bob started Additive Systems Inc., out of a garage behind their house, where they built and supplied chemical injection equipment to major oil companies and also offering installation and service capabilities.

Additive Systems Inc., employees 40 with offices and manufacturing facilities in Broken Arrow, and a service group out of the Dallas office.

"I give much of the credit for the success of our ASI operation to my wife Linda, of 44 years, and my employees, who are just simply the best that can be found anywhere," Bob said. Son Shae has worked for the company and with Bob for 16 years. The eldest son Chad retired from the Navy Seabee's group as Chief last year after 24 years of service.

Roggendorff is especially proud that four of the employees have been with the company for over 20 years. "The employees are the heart and soul of Additive Systems Inc. or any successful operation for that matter," Bob said.

The company has built equipment that has been shipped to all 50 states and several different countries over the last 25 years.

Bob attributes his success to two ladies "My wife Linda and Lady Luck."