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Just changed internet provider, you can now reach me at fairlane@centurylink.net. In addition to phone and address.
Now it's, Hi all, where shall I start? Let me say this first. I love each and everyone of you. My classmates, my extended family. You all remember I drove a school bus (75-C), but I also drove a delivery truck for Carroll Dental Lab after school during my Senior year, and during the 1983 - 84 year. After graduation, I drove as a substitute bus driver during the 1983-84 school year, plus helped with the JROTC program. 2 Aug. 1984 saw a major step, yes I joined the US Army.
Went to basic training and AIT at Fort Dix, NJ (2 Nov. 1984 to 8 Mar. 1985). Going through training during the winter at Fort Dix, what was I thinking? You know, looking back on it, I actually enjoyed it (not at the time).
Attended Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA. No, didn't complete it. Had an injury which prevented me from that. The injury was my left knee! Always planned to go back, never did. But I do know how to make that jump!
Got assigned to Fort Bragg, NC in April of 1985. Went Camp Blanding, Florida for 2 weeks in May. Assigned to support the ROTC mission (Kilo Company) at Fort Bragg in July, and went to the California Desert in September of 1985 for 30 days. Then in Jan. 1986, I was assigned to support a combined services training mission at Fort Bragg, and returned to the California Desert for 30 days in July.
Spent 11 weeks in Honduras in 1987. Remember at the time, there was that problem involving Nicaragua. I was 60 miles from their border. 30 October 1987, I left Active Service. Yes, I should have stayed, oh well!
After Active Duty, joined the Army Reserve. Been to South Carolina, Georgia, Florida (1985 and 2005), Alabama, Mississippi, and Virginia. After the 9-11 attack in 2001, I was in Egypt for 2 weeks. Passed through Ireland on that trip. Retired in October 2005 as a Master Sergeant (E-8). Would go back again if needed.
Worked as a school Bus Driver. Won the NC State School Bus Driver Rodeo in 1996 in Raleigh, competed against about 75 other drivers. Ran for Board of Education in 1996 and 1998. I've also worked for Carrol Dental Lab, Advance Auto Parts, and now NAPA Auto Parts in Wilson.
Love listening to 1950's to 1980's music. Love the 1970's Disco era music the best!
Currently run 10 mile runs on the weekends and Holidays. Wasn't athletic in school! Oh, each March we have a 8K road race in Kinston. Done everyone so far. Done it again this year! Started riding a 22.5 mile fitness rides in Kinston. The event is held in May. This year. May 4th! You gotta exercise!
My father died on January 30, 2008. That was the hardest day of my life. He was 82. Currently taking care of my 87 year old mother. I owe them my life. These were my grandparents before the adoption!
You see, their 16 year old daughter ran off. She got married in SC, and got pregnant. I was born 2 months and 4 days early, doctors didn't think I'd live! She had no idea how to raise a baby. She was physically abused by her 17 year old husband. Who threatened to kill me several times during those first 6 months of life. Finally, after 6 months of back and forth. My grandparents, took me in and raised me. I found out the truth at age 12. That's why I say, I owe them my life. They were 37, about to finish raising their 2 kids, and started over with me! I was adopted at age 18 during our 11th grade year. I had 2 names while growing up. My legal birth name, and what I went by and have now!
I have attended the 10th, 20th, 25th, and 30th reunions. I may not dance very well, but I'm trying. Plus I enjoy seeing you all at these events! Know what I mean?
June 11th, 2010, competed in the Fort Bragg Army Birthday 10-miler. I always start at the back, finished 941st, out of 1,856 runners, with a time of 1:31:28 (hrs:min:sec). June 6th, 2013, finished 1093rd, out of 1869 runners, with a time of 1:33:34 (hrs:min:sec). Looking forward to next year. 2010 was fun, 2013 was humid!
Loved seeing you all at the 30th reunion. We missed those who didn't come. When you're in town, please call me at (252) 939-1905, or my cell at (252) 526-0848. Or email me at fairlane@centurylink.net. Let's get together through the years.
I am running for City Council in 2013! Currently working on a 1986 Ford Bronco. It has a 351W 4 Barrel engine, headers, and it's black. Ya'll should see it in July, hopefully!
