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.
On Oct. 23, 2003, the city of Oceanside, near Camp Pendleton, held a Welcome Home parade for the 1stMEU. 12,000 Marines, tanks, vehicles of all types, helicopters, etc. What a day.
My Scout Troop was there with our 36 flag 'Flags of Freedom' color guard, outside the city hall.
For reasons I won't go into, I was assigned the job of walking the parade route and rounding up all the Viet Nam Vets I could find. Seems that the night before, Lt.Gen Conway decided that he wanted us in the parade. The Order of March was; 1. The General 2. His 'G' sections 3. The Nam Vets 4. 12,000 Marines.
That was my first 'Welcome Home' parade. Only a mile long but I broke down three times.