Mods - Off topic I know, but seems all the forum members I associate with hang out in this subforum, so I hope you'll forgive my indiscretion.

Hey all,
Been a stranger to the forum for the last three months or so, and likely to remain that way for the next 6-12 months. Quick note to say hi and let those interested know what I've been doing.

In July, I left sea duty for the last time in my Navy career (fifth sea duty for me), and effectively switched career paths to Acquisition. Acquisition professionals manage the acquisition process of DoD weapons systems. My current assignment is at the Washington Navy Yard in DC. I'll likely remain there until I decide to retire.

My wife, daughters and I left Washington State in mid-July and "camped" our way across the country in our RV via SoCal visiting numerous national parks, family and friends on the way. Camped deserves quotes because the closest I've been able to get my wife and daughters to what I'd call camping (backpacking in the Sierra Nevada) is in a 32' RV that sleeps 8 in air conditioned comfort, with a 19" widescreen TV, diesel generator power wherever we need it and a full shower. But, our month on the road was an experience I hope my daughters don't soon forget.

Opting to live in the country vice the more populated areas near DC, we bought a beautiful house in a rural county of VA near Dahlgren. My commute is long (60 miles each way), but not on the busy I95 cooridor as I go to work via MD. In trade, we live on a gorgeous 2.5 acre lot in a real neighborhood, which was important to my wife and daughters, and my daughters go to a brand new high school that they are both enjoying. They have made the transition better than I had hoped. For me, the house came with a large 3 car garage on the house and a 3 car shop garage in the back, with an RV and trailer pad next to it. All my toys in one place.

Time has been short for me as I learn my new profession. Long days on a busy project plus the commute as resulted in little to no ability to get online during the week. Add to that, Acquisition requires me to get what is effectively a Masters in the profession, mostly online, and mostly on my time. My weekends have been mostly mine, but have been busy working on getting the house we will likely live in much longer than we have ever lived anywhere else set up to our desires. Yesterday, I wired our newly finished basement for cable as an example. Last weekend was all about leaves amazing how many leaves 2.5 acres of trees can generate. A signifcant part of my next years racing budget likely to go to lawn and garden equipment.

I still have my 02 Z06 and am hoping to race it again next year, but time and money will be short, so I'm likely not to take the racing very seriously.

If you made it this far, thanks for listening.

P.S. Though I haven't been on the forum to browse, I'm still answering PMs and emails regarding AMSOIL/racing. If you need anything for winterizing or next season, drop me a line and I'll give you my best pricing.

 

Good to hear thanks for your service and the sacrifice your entire family makes.

 

Great to hear what you're up to. Now instead of 'Subdriver' you going to change your handle to 'Paper chaser'? Congratulation on your new responsibilities, both professional and personal.
You think the leaves are bad, wait till you have to shovel snow!

Later,

 

 

We enjoyed your somewhat brief stay in the PNW and was really looking forward to your track exploits which got derailed very early. Here is wishing you and your family the best. FYI, our oldest son left this week for Nuke School and hopefully on to the Univ of Florida for his commission.

 

Thank you for your service. Let me know if you're going out to Summit Point and I'll try to join you.

BTW, if anyone at the Navy Yard talks about going to "Tracks" - it's probably not the race track . Actually I wonder if that club is still down there - that's not the best neighborhood.

 

Welcome Back Sub

Now the important things

Summit Point is very close to you ~125 miles
http://www.summitpoint-raceway.com/

and 230 miles to VIR

 

Good to hear from you, Brad.

It's strange for people like us to be talking about the concept of retirement, are we really getting to that age?

PS. Don't get a paper cut...

 

Good to hear from you, all the best.

 

Dave,

Don't be confused..........retiring from the military definitely does NOT mean 'retired'. It usually just means its time to start a different (non-24/7) job......<grin>

Steve Glaab
USAF Retired (Aug 2000)

 

Brad:

It is great to hear from you.

Congrats on the new house and new assignment.

I will be in DC on December 15th.

I go on occassion... maybe we can grab a lunch or dinner when things settle in for you.


Oli

 

Welcome back and thanks for your service

I considered staying in the Navy after my first tour if I could have changed my designator from 11XX to 14XX ( I was in a 14XX billet). it turned out the only thing they could offer me was another sea tour, so I bailed. The USN experience directly led to a 30 yr. career with Hughes Aircraft

 

 

Thanks Eric. Best of luck to your son. He has chosen a difficult but entirely rewarding (at least from my perspective) career. If you ever need another perspective on issues facing your son, drop me a PM. My advice to him now - class standing in the training pipeline is important to the Seaman to Admiral 21 (STA-21) commissioning selection board. The amount of effort he puts in now will have an impact on his future.

Thanks for the tip! Actually, if you haven't been to that area lately, it really has gone through a major period of renovation in the last 10 years or so. Even since I was there for a 3 month training course in 2005, the area has really seen a lot of money - filled with condos and Starbucks now. I'm sure the new baseball stadium hasn't hurt either.

AU N EGL - Thanks for the link to Summit Pt. If you head out that way for a DE, drop me a line and I'll see if I can fit it in my schedule. I really need to start learning my way around the tracks here.

David,
You as well. What are your plans for next year? Please let me know if you are racing near me - I'd like to see what that Viper of yours can do. As for the retirement thing, Steve pretty much covered it. Did you see the cover of USA today yesterday? Apparently lots of post military opportunities.

Oli,
Give me a shout as your trip gets nearer, I'd love to see you - however right now it looks like I'll be busy all day.

Interestingly, I went the other way, starting as a 13xx and lateral transfering to 1120 (subs). Sounds like you made a good choice though as I'm guessing you were/are happy enough with Hughes to stay with them 30 years.

 

Brad, welcome back East and thank you for your service.

If you want to play at NJMP, please let me know. I am a track instructor there and would be glad to get you an invitation to play with us. I may even get Joe A. to come and join us.

Best,
Frank Gonzalez

 

Freakin' feather merchants.

I'm glad I got up to the PNW soon enough to help out with at least one race. And I hear you about the house thing: i've got 20 acres I have to deal with. A lawn tractor isn't going to cut it.

 

Thank you for your service! Good luck on your new venture!

 

Welcome back to the east coast my friend...glad you are well. Get that old horse of yours ready and come down to Florida for the Snowbird nationals so we can catch up...or at least the VIR double in April!! I punched out 1 Jun and am working as a contractor on Ft. Bragg.

 

Mike,
With 20 acres, you need farm equipment. For me, a commercial duty riding mower will probably suffice.

Frank,
I'm very interested in getting out to NJMP and appreciate the invite. Drop me a line when you head that way and I'll see if I can fit it in my schedule. Pretty sure we could drag Joe out as well.

Chris,
Jan/Feb going to be too busy for me to take the time off to get down to sunny FL, but VIR in April much closer to home and should be doable for me. Congrats on landing post Army employment and in the SE at that.

 

I am not confused; Bradford and I are following similar paths...