The Henry Okraski collection on modeling and simulation, 1948-2019 (bulk 1961-2007), documents the history of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and the history of the modeling and simulation field. The collection consists of correspondence, informational and instruction booklets, technical and progress reports, pamphlets, programs, newspaper clippings, articles, overhead projector transparencies, 35 mm projector slides, and a CD. The overhead projector transparencies cover a wide variety of simulation and modeling topics such as advancements made in the field, benefits of use, and graphics of how the simulators work. The 35 mm projector slides contain images of simulators and the machines in use. The photographs contain images of early flight simulators in use. The collection also includes materials related to Henry "Hank" Okraski's professional life and achievements, and a small number of biographical materials related to Luis De Florez, an influential figure in the modeling and simulation industry. Henry "Hank" Carl Okraski was born on January 2, 1936 in Utica, New York to Andrew and Helen Okraski. In 1958, Okraski graduated from Clarkson University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He later received a master's degree in engineering from the University of Florida. After graduating from Clarkson University, Okraski joined Link Aviation in Binghampton, New York, where he worked as a field engineer. In 1962, Okraski joined the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (then known as the Naval Training Device Center) in Port Washington, New York, working as a GS-11 electrical engineer specializing in field support for naval aviation simulators. Okraski moved up in ranks, becoming the Senior Executive Service as Director of Research and Engineering, Deputy Technical Director, and Chief Scientist. During this time, he also served on multiple NATO study groups. In 1994, Okraski retired from government service. Post-retirement, he served as a chairman of the board for the National Center for Simulations, which he co-founded, from 1993 to 2003. He was also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Central Florida, where he assisted with developing simulation academic programs, and at Rollins College.
