[Ronin]

I was stationed in Japan during my last tour in the Navy. When I flunked my reenlistment physical and was being escorted to the door, Japan — where I had friends, a girlfriend, a job opportunity, basically a life — was outside that door.

I hated the place I enlisted from (Richmond, Ca.) and would never even think about going back there, but starting over in a strange American city where I knew absolutely no one had scant appeal as well.

Once out of the Navy and soon adapted to civilian life here, it has never really occurred to me to leave. Here I have a family, including a grandchild, a comfortable lifestyle, and a home.

I’m 59. It’s early autumn and time to conserve what I have.

[Mark17]

I hated the place I enlisted from (Richmond, Ca.)

I can see why you wouldn’t want to return to Richmond. I was stationed at Travis, and when I retired from the Air Force, I used to drive through Richmond, on my way to San Quentin. My co workers got in my case about it, and said I could get killed, going through Richmond. After that, I took 37 to 101 south. 👍