Byron Leo Ristvet was born on August 22, 1947, in Tacoma, Washington. Byron married Linda R. (née Duco) on February 15, 1975, and they had two children: Lauren and Matthew.

Ristvet obtained a bachelor of science degree in geology from the University of Paget Sound in 1969. He then obtained a doctor of philosophy degree in geology from Northwestern University in 1977.

Ristvet was active in the United States Air Force from 1973-1977 and then part of the reserves from 1977-1997. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.

Louis Francis Wouters was born on October 29, 1921, in Antwerp, Belgium. His family moved to California in 1930. Louis married Gladys C. on March 14, 1982. Gladys had three children: Glenn, Clark, and Amy.

He attended school the University of California, Berkeley. Wouters obtained a bachelor of arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1942. He then earns his doctor of philosophy degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1952.