Retired at the beginning of April, '05 and relocated to south central Missouri, specifically, the Rolla area. Purchased a house that is conSIDerably better than what we had in S. Calif. and moved in around the middle of May. Got an in-ground pool outside and a really neat "War Room" in the basement. If anyone is in the area sometime, let me know and you've a place to stay for a bit.
Resisted moving back here for some time but have no regrets. The area is beautiful and the people are really great.
As of April, 06, working again.....so much for retirement. Could only handle being around the wife 24/7 for so long. Besides............we needed the medical bennies.
In Jan. 07, joined the PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS--a group, mainly bikers, but not all, who attend funerals, memorial services and welcome homes ceremonies for veterans. At the funerals their primary purpose is to form a barrier between the family and any protestors who may show up.
YES, protestors DO come to these on occassion.
Other Comments:
As if 31 years of working around small children weren't enough, I was a Scout Master for 18 years, up until I retired. In all honesty, if it hadn't been for all those kids, I would have lost my mind a long time ago. They have been very theraputic for me and helped me keep things in perspective. Finally got my PTSD claim settled by the VA (had to move to Missouri to get though). Fortunately, the kids helped me stay reasonably coherent all those years.
Best Friends Jimmy Holland, Dave 'Dimples' Blair, Benson, Rasberry
Best Moment Nov. 9, 1968...less than 10 days left in country, the 1st MAW owed me a souvineer. At mid-night I went to the HQ building with a very sharp knife in my hand. Once at the flag poles, I cut the line to the CGs flag and.....TOOK IT!!!!
The next day I went to the NSA transit facility with all my gear and sent that mother home. I still have it, it is mounted on a flag pole and is prominently displayed in my new rec. room. Thank you Maj.Gen. Earl E. Anderson.
Worst Moment Due to a foul up at the Wing HQ, it was discovered that nearly ALL of the 1st Air Wing's Communication Center personell were to be rotated back to the states at nearly the same time. This Comm Ctr at the time, was the busiest one in the Corps outside the Pentagon. The answer...go to 5th and 7th Comm Battalions and hit them for warm bodies. All total, about 50 of us went. All 2531s, NOT Comm Ctr.
The night Lyndon Johnson declared the bombing halt north of the 'Z', I was on the incoming machine receiving that message. All other trafic stops when the President speaks. My job, take the completed message, print AND tape copy to the router for disposition to all in-country units. Simple enough. Except the tape machine jambed because of the oil that they are treated with. I did not get the tape.
Long story short, Our Col. was about to stroke out and jumped on ass with both feet and then some. He left...came back and jumped some more. This time mentioning a General Court Matial, a charge of sabatoge and TREASON. I'm 20 years old and I'm gonna be tried for treason.
When he came back an hour later to update the charge list I pointed out that HE would be going to prison WITH me. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!!!" was the responce. "Sir, I am not cleared to work here. I only have a 'Secret' clearance. This place requires a 'TOP Secret'"
Another stroke was on the way, but I did not see hime the rest of the night. The next day we all received applications for TS clearances.
More later.
Chain of Command Don't know all of them. Just know the CG was MG Anderson and I GOT HIS FLAG.
