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.
I was certainly a pain-in-the-ass while in Nam. Went one period for over a month without writting home....I won't go into the reasons why, I was just an asshole. I wrote home at one point and informed my wife that I was going to extend my tour. I honestly wanted to stay. To this day I wish I had. She informed me that she'd divorce me if I did. She was NOT going to put with that "bullshit" any more. So, home I came and, although I've had a LOT of fun and good times over the years, I did not realize at the time that it was the beginning of a 36 year long bout with depression. I don't believe in or trust shrinks. However, in trying to reopen a PTSD claim, I went to see one this summer. I'm on meds now and feeling much better. Still wish I had stayed, but feeling better about coming home.