I grew up in Macomb IL . My maternal family was from there and those still living are still in the area. I visit there quite regularly as I enjoy the LINK that family provides. To them I am important and have worth. It is not generally so with the world.

We moved from Macomb in 1962. It was my sophomore year in High school and a tragic experience to have to move to a strange area with strange people. We first moved to Jonesborough Ark for 6 months, then to Beaumont Texas for 2 years. From Beaumont we moved to Orlando Florida and then to Eustis Florida . I have been in Florida now since 1965. We also have a summer home in Pleasant Hill IL . My father's people were from Pleasant Hill . It is one of the most beautiful spots in IL, sandwiched between the Mississippi on the west and the IL River on the east. Wildness and nature abound and although I don't hunt since Viet Nam , I do so enjoy wildlife and wilderness. Sometimes I feel more attached to the wild than I do to the civilized world.  Actually most of the time.

I joined the USMC in 1965 and after a little over a year I applied for and got a hardship discharge to go home to Orlando and support my family. Dad had become disabled and the other kids were too young to work. After a year, Dad started receiving disability from Social Security and the VA. As he was no longer financially dependent on me I lost my draft exemption and was drafted into the US Army in October of 67. Having been in the Marines I skipped basic and went straight to advanced infantry training at Ft Polk, La. By January of 68 I was in Viet Nam as an 11B10 Light infantry. I was assigned to Bravo Company of the 2/501 of the 101st Airborne Division. During 1968 our company suffered a 100% casualty rate. I became one on July 31, 1968 and was seriously wounded by a gunshot wound to the neck that cut my jugular vein and tore through my right lung and exited the middle of my back just below my shoulder blade. As God had further use for my life I survived and was discharged from the Army in August of 1969. I had the honor, while with the 101st, to serve with the bravest men to have walked the face of the earth in my time. Their courage and bravery defy description and I'll not attempt it.

I moved back to Eustis Florida , married and had a daughter in 1972 (Stephanie Dianne). I worked in a bank at first and then with a partner bought a retail boat business. In 1975 I went to work as a manufacturer's rep for an industrial manufacturing company and retired from that job in 2000. I began building and programming computers as a part time business in 1982 and continue in that business today. I love writing computer programs.

My sons are Casey David born in 1977 and Anthony Lee born in 1980. I raised them on the water in Crystal River Florida and still live in that house today with my wife Kay. It is located on the west coast of Florida 100 miles north of Tampa . We are surrounded by State preserve and all the wildlife Florida has to offer. I enjoy fishing with my boys.

The most important aspect of my life is that I belong to Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and my Savior and I love him more than I can describe. I sincerely hope you do too.