Robert Elmer Friedrichs was born July 8, 1943, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robert married Nancy on May 20, 1998, and they had one child together with two children from Nancy's previous marriage: Shaun (son), Gerry (stepson), and Michael (stepson).
Friedrichs obtained an associate of science degree (1973) and bachelor of science degree (1976) in Radiologic Technology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 1984, Friedrichs obtained Master of Business Administration (MMBA) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
William Carl Geagley was a civilian observer at the Nevada Test Site during Operation Plumbbob from June 8, 1957 to June 30, 1957. Born July 21, 1890, Geagley graduated from Michigan State College in 1913 with a B.S. in Sciences and Agriculture. A high school science and agriculture teacher, he later worked as a chemical researcher and Chief of the Clinical Laboratory Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. In the 1950s he was appointed as a regional Civil Defense Coordinator for the Lansing, MI area.