Well, here goes.
Born in '51. Have NEVER grown up. Started shootin' with my Papaw's Daisy Red Ryder BB gun around 4. Parents got divorced and I ended up living in Brazil (South America) for a year where I got no schooling, but rode horses nearly daily. Moved in with Father & Stepmom to get back into American education. (Kinda important at age 8, right?!) Stepmom was pretty much anti-gun and Dad humored her. Grew up and went to college majoring in Music Education. Found out that being a teacher (at least of kids over the age of 10) wasn't for me. Accidentally missed VietNam, but after working for RCA Records, joined the Army as an Armor Crewman. Stayed in 14 1/3 yrs, 9 of which were in the 11th and 4th Cavalry. Went to school and became an M1/M1A1 Tank Master Gunner - essentially a hands-on teacher. Was the platoon Sgt. of the first platoon of tanks in Iraq. Got out due to budget cuts, did a few jobs, then started at the Post Office - walking neighborhood Mailman. That ceased about 3 years ago when the "Gulf War Disease" sidelined me. Still trying to find a job I can do that doesn't require much driving, sitting, standing, walking, or carrying things; preferrably from home. This is a hard task since about all I'm good at is something like a hit-man or assassin!
Joined SASS in '99 and loved it immediately. Found out about NCOWS a couple years later and love it even more - somewhat because of the people, but mostly 'cause of the hysterical ... er, historical aspect. I work on my own guns, tho I'm not trained; but I did several years as an Armorer while in Germany which got me some basics in gunsmithing training.
Been married twice since 1971 with about a 2 1/2 yr. break in between. My Wunnerful Wife is from Scotland. I taught her how to shoot. She's also a Vet, but from the British Army. (WRAC for those of you who know. Women's Royal Army Corps if you don't.) She got a medal for bravery under fire in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, she thinks that "dressing up" and shooting is stupid. Not the shooting part, but the outfits. Not many Cowboys in Scottish history! I suppose if I looked like Mel Gibson in a kilt, she'd like it a lot better!
I've got 3 kids and a Granddaughter. Also 3 cats (didn't want ANY, but one is now mine!) and a little lap dog. At least he
thinks he's a little lap dog. He's a 135 lbs. Great Dane that we got from a rescue shelter.
I'm also too wordy; which y'all may have already noticed!