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.
Other Memories This was my first assignment after Nam. We stayed 5th A.T.s for most of '69 at which time we became 1st Anti Tanks. Stayed that was for awhile and was deactivated in early '70. We loaded up our 18 ONTOS vehicles onto flatbed trucks.........by HAND....because, by this time, none of them ran. then we were all split up between 1st Tanks and Mike Battery, 4/12.
