I have an old intro post somewhere but it seems like it was many moons ago......

I grew up as a poor white boy in the suburbs in Oregon. Maybe not really poor, I never wanted for the necessities, but I never got that GI Joe with the kung fu grip I always wanted.
I joined the Army at 17, at a time when I was headed full steam down the wrong road. I've been an Infantryman, or a Grunt, for the last 18 years. For those that speak Army-ese, I've been in Mech, Air Assault, Airborne and Light units. I've been a Blackhat at US Army Airborne School and the Chief Instructor at the US Army Jumpmaster School.
I've had the fortune to attend the school and become an Army Sniper, and have been lucky enough to collaborate on several white papers that became part of Army doctrine and airborne procedures.
I am currently a senior Non-Commissioned Officer, and teach Army ROTC (American Military History and Military Science) in Alabama. I should be moving on shortly, and hopefully getting promoted, I just don't know where and when on both counts as of yet.
I've been able to deploy to or be stationed in Germany, Korea, Alaska, Italy, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Panama, Washington, North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, Arizona, Georgia and probably a few places I don't remember off hand.

I met my wife at Airborne school, she was an ROTC cadet and I was attending Pathfinder school at the same post. A mutual friend introduced us, and we started a long distance relationship (I was in North Carolina, she was attending college in Ohio). She served 5 years on active duty and transitioned into the reserves when we had our first daughter.
I had to watch her deploy to Iraq last year, while I played Mr Mom, worked full time, and went to school. As hard as it was, I got the opportunity to bond with my two daughters in a way that most fathers, especially those in the Army don't get to. Unfortunately, my turn will probably come again next year, and I'll deploy.

I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up (and retire). I'm finishing a degree in political science, and would love to get into the Secret Service or US Marshalls, but I'll be one year over the federal law enforcement age cap, if I get out at 20 years. I have to do something with my life that keeps my adrenaline up, so the Wal-Mart door greeter position is not going to be one of my options.

Starbucks, politics and America's Debate are my sedentary addictions. Skydiving, hiking, and physical fitness are my active pursuits.

I have two daughters, age 2.5 and 4.5. I like mexican food, beer, little puppy dogs and long walks on the beach. Really.

Could you recommend any good hiking or backpacking spots in the AL area? I'd certainly appreciate the opportunity to get away from the in-laws for a bit when I'm there next time. I usually end up having to fix their computers, watch Finding Nemo 400 times with my neices. or hang out with my wife's friends and catch on the latest gossip about who married who, who divorced who, who is now a lesbian, etc.

I always have the food questions.

What's your favorite Mexican dish?

I spend a lot of time in my job at Oak Mountain State Park. It's a nice place for day or beginner trail hiking. It's just south of Birmingham and right off the interstate, so you're not really in the wilderness.
The Sipsey Wilderness trails are very nice, and they are northwest of Birmingham, much more secluded.


I absolutely love Tamales....any style, anytime!

I am likely mistaken, however I was always under the impression that there was some sort of variation in the age limit for former military personnel. I thought that there was a higher age limit, since military time was also federal time. I am assuming you have looked into this, so I guess I am wrong here?

I'd be curious to know how that is legal considering EEOC age discrimation laws

The age restriction is based upon the mandatory retirement age of 57. Twenty years of service is needed to receive a pension, thus 37 is the maximum age.
I have no doubt that it is due to the union.

I did a bit more research. It seems that the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), AKA Prohibited Personnel Practices]Link[/URL] would apply here.

Specifically:



and:



Notice, no mention of the Secret Service or the US Marshalls.


Just a thought.


Also, I remember reading a long time back that when in federal employ (outside of the military, one begins be be partially eligible for retirement after 10 years). If this is accurate (didn't find anything on it yet) then at least a partial retirement would be available, so the age limit would be less warranted (not that applying Reason and Logic to the Federal Government ever works )

Edited to Add:

FOUND IT:

Federal Retirement Eligibility

Hope it helps

After reading Vdem's intro update, I realized maybe I should update mine also. And using his as a cue......

My favorite color is blue

My favorite soda is diet coke (not because of weight concerns, I just like the unleaded taste over the leaded.)

My favorite TV shows are Rescue Me, Battlestar Galactica and virtually anything on the History, Discovery or Learning Channels.

I lean fairly liberal on social issues, conservative on defense, immigration and fiscal matters, and really hate the hypocrisy from both sides. I'm a small 'l' Libertarian, but fairly independent, and like to think that I can be open minded on any issue. (some of my AD nemeses may find argument with me on that..... )

My little girls 'punk' me out daily, and I don't care.

My favorite bands are one I can run to their music. So that includes The Offspring, Sum 41, System of a Down and The Foofighters, among others.

The song that makes me teary is one I can't even understand the words to: "Gortoz A Ran - J'Attends" by Hans Zimmer, and on the Black Hawk Down soundtrack

My favorite book is Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield.

My favorite restaurants are Outback (for the Alice Springs Chicken) and ANY good Mexican place.

My favorite movie is Last of the Dogmen.

My favorite comedian is Lewis Black.

And, after reading Vdem's intro, I googled my name, and all I get is a famous actor. I'll let you sit in suspense on who it is..........

And tho this may seem really strange to many, I'm trying like hell to leave my cushy no work on weekends, looking at cute coeds daily at a college, assistant professor job..... to rejoin an Airborne Infantry unit and rejoin my brothers wherever they may find their selves in harms way. It's what I grew up with, and tho it's dangerous and it's time away from the family, it feels like my calling in life.....to lead soldiers.

Haha. I felt like I needed something to do and I realized mine had been collecting virtual dust and I've changed a bit since I posted the original. What a trend-setter I am...

Blue is amazing.

Be a man: regular Pepsi. 'Tis the drink of the gods.

Outback is great, my madre (Spanish... eeeeeeevil) loves Alice Springs Chicken; ever been to an El Potro (unsure on spelling but it is a mexican restaurant, and has very yummy food )

Hah, my last name is fairly well-known and because of that I got all these actors, writers, politicians, historical figures, artists, musicians, killers, judges, psychos and general weirdness.

Nice to hear everything's going well.

That's one fo my favs, too. I've probably read it three times. Since you liked that one, I highly recommend The Sword of Attila, by Michael Curtis Ford. It's the same historical war genre, set in the last days of the Roman Empire.

I re-read Gates of Fire usually once a year, and make it a reading assignment for my cadets. Pressfield's next book Tides of War is harder to get into, but in the end, still a good read.
I will check out Sword of Attila. Thanks!

You would do you country MORE of a service if you remained here DTOM.
Quite simply intelligent individuals who have experienced what it reaslly means to defend ones country would be more useful influencing the youth of America than being deployed into a combat situation. I realize your experience might keep others alive and well enough to go home--but... The greater influence is in affecting the younger generations enough to produce more such as yourself. Levelheadedness and education not consisting of psuedointelectual egotistic self inflation on college campuses are a rarity here these days

Besides I keep hoping to hear that
announced as.....

Ladies and gentlemen I give you the President of the United States.............

just a few thoughts

I understand your point, but to me it's similar to being a member of an NFL team, and though you're pretty good, and still young enough to play, and still enjoy the excitement of the game......you have to spend the season scouting for future players, and watching you team on the sidelines (or cable news as it were).
A good soldier never wants war, and prays for peace. But once a soldier rises through the ranks and becomes a leader of soldiers, when those soldiers are placed in harms way, there is an almost reflexive feeling to want to be there.....to take care of them, to share in the misery, the camaraderie and the terror.
Although this assignment has been good for me and my family, and I've continued my secondary education, I am falling behind tactically and technically compared to my peers. I've seen enough combat to satisfy any curiosity I may have had, but sitting here safe, warm and dry in the comfort of my home and family, when my brothers are not, it feels uncomfortable and unfair. Sitting here, I feel lost like a fart in a whirlwind.



Heh, you realize of course, that there are some AD'ers cringing right now.......thinking about immigrating to New Zealand if that were to ever happen.