Tom Thompson

Yes

OMG, it has only been 50 years since 6th grade camp and I remember all of it, uh no, that's a lie. Reminiscing is such a hazardous thing to do, especially if you have no one to remind you of what happened. Although I left Tehachapi after my 6th grade, part of my heart was left there. In the ensuing years I made several visits to Roy Tilley, the Ashe Tract and Trusty's. My most recent visit was just before Roy's father (Junior) passed away in 2008. I would very much like to see some "old" acquaintences in the near future. Since I left in 1964, I will start there...My Dad worked for CalTrans (Division of Highways), was Leading Man in Tehachapi, Promoted to Foreman including transfer to Palm Springs where I did half of Seventh Grade. Lateral move to Inyokern (Homestead) where I finished 7th and graduated 8th Grade. 9th and half of 10th were at Burroughs (Ridgecrest). Half of 10th at Rowland H.S. (LA area), 11th and 12th graduated at Walnut High School (Industrial Arts Award). This was Walnut's first Graduating Class-1970. 11th grade had no Seniors so we were top dog. Sports competitions kinda sucked tho.
After graduation, I ran my dad's gas station in Inyokern until I went in the US Navy. For almost 5 Years I went traipsing around the oceans and foreign ports (Hawaii, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Singapore, Hong Kong, Palau, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, learned a trade, and found my future. I have been married since 1974 and still loving it. Great family, great kids, great (grandkids) and great extended family. After the Navy, I worked for a couple of Heating & Air Companies before deciding I could do better work if I had my own license, so in 1980 I became a California Licensed Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor and have been doing it since then with the exception of 1982-1988. During that time, I worked for General Dynamics as a TechRep-1 Year in Tucson and 4 years in Europe (England and Belgium). A Good time was had by all.
Currently tho, brings about another day. With the economy the way it has been for the past few years, we have had to make many adjustments. Those adjustments are another discussion. Just know that we are all in good spirits, enjoying life as it comes along. G-kids are the BEST. WAHOO

PS-I would love to communicate with anyone who remembers me...or not.

1st grade, Mrs. Miles, Aqueduct School. Although I NEVER got swatted, I remember the cries of the kids who did.
3rd and half of 4th were spent elsewhere. When I returned, I was put in Mr. Krafts 4th Grade Class. The girl in front of me was absent. Deanna Gassaway clued me in that "Jeannie Anderson" was sick that day. She showed up the next day. I was only 9 1/2 years old, but that's when it started (liking girls). Sometimes I wonder where life would have taken me had I not left Tehachapi in '64.
4th Grade-I was taken to the park with my parents and Mr. Kraft to discuss my "Left Handedness" as to whether I shoud be forced to change or to let it be. Thankfully they....Let It Be... and yes, I am still left handed as is my wife.
6th grade camp-summer of ? I have pictures and have very little recollections of the other people. Who the heck are they? Does anybody know? Pics to be posted soon.
6th grade-you know it, Nov. 22, 1963-Mr. Rogers came in to class after lunch and wrote on the chalkboard "The President is Dead".

1st and 2nd grades at Monolith (Aqueduct), 4th, 5th and 6th at Tehachapi Elementary. Teachers, Mrs. Miles, Mrs. Shultz, Mr. Kraft, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Rogers.
Favorite Teacher-Mr Kraft (I'm still L/H) with Mr Lewis a close 2nd.

Friends I remember were Roy Tilley, Arnold Steele, Steve Troy, Robert Melton, Tom Booth, Tom Chenoweth, Paul Sprinkle, Ken Stout, Larry Morphis, Russell Ary and others (girls too).