Post by [VET]Bud on Aug 10, 2008 23:59:25 GMT -5
Dear Members,
My mom moved to Hawaii from Washington in the 60's shortly after college and met my dad. My sister and I were born In Honolulu and raised there, mainly on the island of Oahu and Hawaii ("the big island") till about 1979, we moved to San Fernando Valley in California. Graduating from Van Nuys High in 83, I entered the United States Army, in Ordnance field, both in USAEUR and CONUS, as a 27 Echo. Between repairing equipment and direct support to West Berlin, the training department was my passion, as weapon instructor, PLDC/BNCOC management, and direct support using OPFOR personnel to brigade units, or otherwise volunteering myself for TACOP Competitions.
In 1990, I entered civilian work force, married my wife now (first time), an Army brat of a retired Master Sergeant from my own brigade. Sorry, no white shotgun. Shortly after which, I became a Paramedic, and my marraige went south shortly after my twins were born. The next 5 years were my worst in terms of growing up and finding Christ. Going through government contractors, various jobs, same girlfriend five times (Hey, I was a nice guy that kept getting dumped.), I was ready to settle down once and for all. My girlfriend openly admittedly she would cheat and so I dumped her, the lifestyle, the bad habits.
My ex and I started talking and I promised nothing but to care for her and the children. About 2000, my wife and I remarried. In 2002, we moved from Huntsville, Alabama to Springfield, Oregon, near my parents for our kids to know them.
Let's see, in 2000, I was actively training to become a commercial airline pilot, right up till 911, when the hiring pool was flooded with veteran pilots. I was 6 months away from fulfilling a life long dream of becoming an aviator like my grandfather, step dad, and uncle. Alas, in 2001, it became too clear that I would remain a commercial motor vehicle driver trainer. The company may change but the rewards are the same and with each operator I graduate, I hope the highways are a safer place. Currently, I work for one of the largest specialized operations in North America, with some of the strictist security measures in our industry since 911. Even talking about it generalizations can be seen as a violation.
My wife has since made me sell all my aviation gear, since it is an expensive hobby, one that has helped many a student get home, mind you, or take my wife to visit her folks in Kansas. Now, I only get cockpit time in my simulator. It's not the same.
My grandfather graduated from Annapolis in 1925, and in Hawaii, he frequently took us to Pearl and I immediately became an admirer to the many ships and subs. I enjoy model building, mostly sail ships, those with masts. Mainly frigates or larger. After they're built, I have no place for them, so I donate them various activities along the Pacific coast. Aside from R/C and Amatuer Radio (inactive), I find myself lately supporting the US Army game project, since much of my time is dedicated to my children and work.
My mom moved to Hawaii from Washington in the 60's shortly after college and met my dad. My sister and I were born In Honolulu and raised there, mainly on the island of Oahu and Hawaii ("the big island") till about 1979, we moved to San Fernando Valley in California. Graduating from Van Nuys High in 83, I entered the United States Army, in Ordnance field, both in USAEUR and CONUS, as a 27 Echo. Between repairing equipment and direct support to West Berlin, the training department was my passion, as weapon instructor, PLDC/BNCOC management, and direct support using OPFOR personnel to brigade units, or otherwise volunteering myself for TACOP Competitions.
In 1990, I entered civilian work force, married my wife now (first time), an Army brat of a retired Master Sergeant from my own brigade. Sorry, no white shotgun. Shortly after which, I became a Paramedic, and my marraige went south shortly after my twins were born. The next 5 years were my worst in terms of growing up and finding Christ. Going through government contractors, various jobs, same girlfriend five times (Hey, I was a nice guy that kept getting dumped.), I was ready to settle down once and for all. My girlfriend openly admittedly she would cheat and so I dumped her, the lifestyle, the bad habits.
My ex and I started talking and I promised nothing but to care for her and the children. About 2000, my wife and I remarried. In 2002, we moved from Huntsville, Alabama to Springfield, Oregon, near my parents for our kids to know them.
Let's see, in 2000, I was actively training to become a commercial airline pilot, right up till 911, when the hiring pool was flooded with veteran pilots. I was 6 months away from fulfilling a life long dream of becoming an aviator like my grandfather, step dad, and uncle. Alas, in 2001, it became too clear that I would remain a commercial motor vehicle driver trainer. The company may change but the rewards are the same and with each operator I graduate, I hope the highways are a safer place. Currently, I work for one of the largest specialized operations in North America, with some of the strictist security measures in our industry since 911. Even talking about it generalizations can be seen as a violation.
My wife has since made me sell all my aviation gear, since it is an expensive hobby, one that has helped many a student get home, mind you, or take my wife to visit her folks in Kansas. Now, I only get cockpit time in my simulator. It's not the same.
My grandfather graduated from Annapolis in 1925, and in Hawaii, he frequently took us to Pearl and I immediately became an admirer to the many ships and subs. I enjoy model building, mostly sail ships, those with masts. Mainly frigates or larger. After they're built, I have no place for them, so I donate them various activities along the Pacific coast. Aside from R/C and Amatuer Radio (inactive), I find myself lately supporting the US Army game project, since much of my time is dedicated to my children and work.