About me (for anyone interested)
Here's a brief (hopefully) history of my association with the "Nightcapper's" and what's transpired in the years since. Joined the U.S.N. in July '65 after high school, under 18, so I was a "Kiddie Cruiser". After Boot at Diego, on to Memphis and eventually AQF school. Then Jax for C school and finally in October '66, on to VF-13. Deployed to the Med in November on the Shang, home in May '67. Married one of my high school sweethearts in September of that year. December we left for the Med again, until August '68, when I was due for discharge. Got out, came back to Oklahoma and went to work for the Air Force. That's been an eventful 33 years. 11 in various maintenance jobs, electronic counter measures overhaul and repair, including a stint TDY (that's TAD in Navy talk)to S.E. Asia, the P.I., Japan and Korea. Then working on A-7, B-52, and KC-135's doing depot level mods and repairs. Finally in '80 after going to college in my spare time (go O.U. Sooners!!!) and getting EDJUMACATED, got into System Program Management. A few years in KC-135's in that capacity, then to the B-1 Lancer during Acquisition and Development, and then in '96 on to the B-2 Stealth Bomber. Now I'm drawing close to being able to retire from Civil Service, and looking back at things from the past that interest me, and one is getting this VF-13 maintainers page up and running.
As for personal life, had 3 kids, 2 boys and a girl. Although their mom & I divorced in '83, they have grown up and are doing well, and have given me 5 grandkids. Also got into music about 30 years ago, (some may remember, I always had a guitar around in the shop), and have been in several bluegrass bands over the years, along with one or two local rock groups. Am presently playing with a group, "Fireside" which you can find on www.ibluegrass.com under the Okla bands.. Beyond that,old cars,are my other primary hobby. Now, I have a totally great lady, Di, in my life, who is a Logistics Specialist, in the B-2 program, has an Art degree from O.U., and is quite an accomplished artist(you should see the walls and decorating in our house!). She has 7 grandkids, making our total 12. Along with our 4 dogs, Rhysha, 14, Rott/Shepherd mix, King, 6, Siberian Husky, Beatrice, 3, the Beagle, who runs the show, and Gretta, 1, our purebred Rott (and my baby), the music, the classic cars and all, our life is pretty full of enjoyment.
Hope to hear from a lot of the old crew. Don
