I started with NY State’s prison system at Auburn prison in Auburn NY. Spent a little over 3 years there before I was able to transfer to a prison closer to home. At the time I took the job I was divorced and had two sons to support on my own. I was a Sergeant for 12 years before I retired in 2003. Because it wasn’t a job you could go home from, and feel like you accomplished anything during your 8+ hour shifts, I went to college full-time on the side, and eventually received my masters degree. I did it as a challenge to myself because I was a terrible student in high school in the early to mid 60’s. I was a cheerleader, and too engrossed with the quarterback of the football team to study. I’m also a history buff. Spent about 10 years traveling, and researching the 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments that served during the Civil War. Did my masters thesis on the 55th Regiment, basically a regimental history which included info on the white officers, and the black enlisted men. Tracked down several of their descendants as well. I’ve moved on to other periods of history now, British history, medieval period, WWI, WWII, etc. Met many nice people during the years I was doing my research. Had I been able to make as much money doing research as I did by working for the prison system, I’d have changed jobs in a heartbeat.
bkmk history
Thanks. Very interesting background. I’m also a history buff. I’m into Civil War history as well, and I’ve visited Gettysburg and Antietam. There are several other battlegrounds I’d like to see including Shiloh. War history is fascinating, from ancient times to the present. Nice talking to you. Take care.
Hope I didn’t offend with the “Brother”. I think I knew from the past but I’ll plead age related forgetfulness.