I was born in Holyoke, Mass. on May 30, 1942, raised in Stonington, Conn., and currently live in Slidell, LA. In 1960 I joined the United States Navy, later volunteering for the submarine force. I served for 23 years, retiring in 1983 as an RMCS(SS). After the service I earned a Real Estate Brokers license in Conn., and did the same when I moved to LA. I owned my own company, "Buyer Advocate Real Estate. I am an avid sailor, and owner of a 33' sailboat, that my wife and I sail frequently in the coastal Gulf of America region. I am the Commander of a submarine veterens group, the Finance Officer of an American Legion Post, and a member of the Northshore Honor Guard.
I have lurked on FREEREPUBLIC for years, even registered once, but never logged on. I have gained much from all my lurking, and hope now to not just be a bystander, but to participate.