I was born March 26, 1932, and raised in the Ozark Mountains in Southern Missouri. In April of 1951, right before graduation, a banker in our town told my dad that he saw my name come up on the draft board. I decided to join the Air Force, rather than be drafted, and go to Tech School. I became an aircraft and engine mechanic with a jet engine specialty stationed in South Dakota at Ellsworth Air Force Base. I was in a first strike unit, 1st to go if there was a War, after first strike unit 28th Bomb Wing. Our unit was responsible for B-50 and B-36 bombers. These aircraft were needed to be combat ready 24/7. We worked extremely long hours regardless of weather conditions. I was on the ground crew most of the time as a crew chief, and only flew if any flight engineers were ill. During Korea, I was assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron during the Korean War. At the time, none of us even knew where Korea was. I served 4 years Active US Air Force, 2 years Active National Guard Reserves and 2 years inactive.
I have one brother that was 5 years older, he passed away at 82. We were raised on 160 acres (120 were woods). We raised hogs, chickens and cattle. I have been married 3 times. My first wife of 31 years passed, my second wife of 15 years passed and I have been married to my current wife for 10 years. I have 2 daughters and 1 son, 5 granddaughters and 1 grandson.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After the Military, I was a financial advisor and managed several hundred million in assets for my clients. After 50 years, I retired. I now serve as the Vice Commander for the Korean War Veteran’s Association, Las Vegas Chapter 329. KWVA is headquartered out of Chicago, IL.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Being raised on a farm, I typically only ate what we raised. Over the years, 75% of my meals were eaten in hotel restaurants. I enjoy American, Mexican Italian and French. Now, I eat at home 90% of the time, however, the best local BBQ I’ve had is at John Mulls Meats and BBQ Grill.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here for 10 years. Since December 12, 2012
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here in our community?
Henry Grimes, my friend and partner in the Korean War Veteran’s Association.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have been very fortunate in my life to travel to many places. My 2nd wife and I used to take a 2 week trip every quarter for many years. I have been to 37 countries. Now days, I prefer to be home.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
That’s a difficult question. I have a lot of respect for good actors, writing and stories. I would say Gone with the Wind for movie, and Downtown Abbey was an extremely well written show.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Educate yourself. Education is a lifetime experience. We make our own luck. If you are pointing at someone saying “you are a lucky person”, the 3 fingers pointing at yourself are saying “you could be too.” My other advise would be to have respect for yourself and for others.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve been fortunate enough to do more than 90% of what I’ve wanted to do. But the main thing I’d still like to accomplish is for humanity to protect our most valuable asset throughout the world, which is water. We need to stop the pollution.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I like all types of danceable music….country western, big band music, classical and symphony. I don’t like the loud music of 4 notes repeating itself over and over.
Q: What current (or former) local business are you a frequent visitor of in our community?
Grocery stores…. Whole Foods, Smiths and Trader Joes.
Q: If you could choose anyone living today (or has passed) and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I wish I could have a conversation with Winston Churchill. I respect him as one of the most educated public servants and a brilliant Military Commander during World War ll.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is the weather. I moved here after 50 years in Southern California because of no state income tax and the weather.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
At this age, I try to do everything I can in one single day. I thank the Lord for every day I get up – it’s a gift.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
My life is pretty much an open book. My daddy used to tell me “If you always tell the truth, you won’t ever have anything you need to try to remember.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Tuscany, in Central Italy and The Butchart Gardens, in Canada
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Every day that I’m living and have my health is a beautiful day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
“Meeting you for this interview today, I have a great respect for beautiful and intelligent women.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I’ve always been most inspired by being aware of my actions and how they affect people around me. For every action, there’s an opposite and equal reaction.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Going back to childhood on the farm, the smell of my mother baking fresh bread. Today, I still love to wake up to the smell of bacon cooking. I also enjoy the beauty and aroma of fresh flowers. I enjoy buying my wife flowers, and she enjoys receiving them. Happy wife, happy life!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, Quiet, Contentment
