Personal
I . I am not yet certain whether I will be able to attend. If it does prove to be possible, we will be traveling from Mesa, Arizona (approximately 1,500 miles)
2. Judy and I have 7 grandchildren (ages ranging from 21 years down to 8 months)
3. Retired on March 31, 2007
4. When I graduated from NCHS I had no idea what I really wanted to do. I ended up being blessed with having two separate, fabulous careers (i.e., 20 years in the Air Force and 24 years designing/building computer software systems). Both were interesting, challenging, and rewarding. I truly loved both careers; and, if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing.
5. No. My athletic achievement was mostly at the "bench warming" skill level.
6. My wife and I completed our 3rd cruise in July 2008. We spent almost 2 weeks
travelling to all parts of the British Isles and absolutely loved it.
7. I had the opportunity to operationally fly with two former members of the USAF Thunderbirds.
8. No, No.
9. Yes. I had two combat flying tours in Vietnam.
10. I participate in volunteer work associated with our church.
11. Happiness is looking into the eyes of a young grandchild; seeing the joy, enthusiasm, and unconditional love; and sensing their insatiable quest for information, answers, and knowledge. You realize at these moments that this is what counts and is really important; and, none of the "stuff' really matters at all.
12. I was truly blessed by having been born/raised in the Naperville community. The family and community values I witnessed prepared me well for my life's walk.
13.1 love to draw and paint portraits.
14. "You've got to Believe!"
15. In many respects, yes; in many respects, no.
16. My philosophy is that we all choose the type of day we will have (e.g., If you choose to have a great day, you will. If you choose to let circumstances dictate, they will.).
IT I departed Naperville in November of 1960 and have not lived there since.
Memories:
1. My favorite memory of Naperville is the small town lifestyle and knowing who all your neighbors were.
2. Prince Castle (yum, yum)
3. I believe the most influential teachers were those who I disliked the most at the time (i.e., Ms McBride, Ms Scroggie, etc.,). They were both strict and expected/demanded good classroom behavior; and, they likely had the most profound impact on my life. I truly believe that my life might have been significantly different had I not had a strong leash of control used on me during my formative years.
4. n/a
5. In 4 years of going out for and participating in football, I only got to be a starter in one game. It was in my senior year; and, I believe it was against West Chicago. I would love to re-live that one game.
6. 1 have no specific recollection of anyone's car — except mine. During my junior and senior year my parents provided us kids with use of a red and black Karman Ghia (spelling?). Although it was, no doubt, pretty plain compared to cars that others had, I thought it was the greatest.
7. No
8. As a family, we probably only went out to eat 3-4 times a year. I do recall, however, that I loved the chicken at the White Fence Farm.
9. We normally went to church, listened to a ball game on the radio, and typically had my grandmother over for a large noon meal. She would always bring a fresh, homemade pie.
10. No. I believe that I always brought a sack lunch from home and ate it in the cafeteria.
11. Buddy Holly — That'll Be The Day and Peggy Sue.
12. n/a
13. n/a
14. My very first job was delivering the morning newspaper (Chicago Tribune) from the age of 10 to the age of 13. I believe that my salary was $3.50 per week; and, I think this is where it dawned on me how cold the winters in northern Illinois really were. My first job after high school graduation was joining the USAF.
15. Any number of westerns.
16. The Marlboro Man
17. n/a
18. Yes. I remember when the killing of a Pan-American athlete occurred in Naperville. I specifically remember how shocked and stunned everyone was.
19. Although my athletic achievements in high school were, at most, forgettable, I did participate in football, track and field, wrestling, and baseball during my 4 years; and, the lessons I learned about team, sportsmanship, and never giving up have served me well throughout my adult life.
20. I remember walking and later riding a bicycle 6-7 blocks to Ellsworth Elementary School and about 9 blocks to Washington Junior High every day — rain or shine or snow or whatever. I don't recall any concerns ever coming up about my safety or what evil might happen to me enroute. The world has really changed!!!
21. Playing, mowing the lawn and other chores, and swimming at Centennial Beach.