May 1971 - Graduated from then Memphis State with a Business Degree. Two months later, started working as an underwriter (didn't even know they existed) with The Hartford Insurance Group.

1975 - Started taking flying lessons. By 1980, had a Flight Instructor Certificate - start of a concurrent career.

1985 - the Hartford closed its office in Memphis. Accepted position in the home office in Hartford, Connecticut. Extremely emotional leaving mid-town Memphis, the only house in which I had ever lived (39 years, third generation), and going to frigid Yankee land. However, Connecticut turned out to be an extremely beautiful state, if you don't mind two jobs to pay huge property taxes, personal property tax (car), and state income tax. Within three months, am working part-time as a flight instructor which now has accumulated up to 9000 hours in the logbook, 10 years experience in charters, and about 14 years as Chief Flight Instructor (fortunately we have been a busy flight school since 09-11). Still at the Hartford Insurance Group (32 years coming up 080203) now working in the Data Center on a 3-day twelve hour shift which fits perfectly with the flight training.

Aug. 26 2001- first marriage at age 55 (approx two weeks before 09-11) - photo is our wedding at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Wife's name is Gladys, originally from Puerto Rico. My mother was from Cuba, so obviously there's something special about the Caribbean for me. My father was 44 when he married for the first time, so you can see the tradition. Both working hard, fortunately. Hear all the usual complaints that I work too much, we don't spend much time together, etc. Everything normal. Just returned from our best trip ever, out to Colorado to attend the Air Force Academy graduation where a young man I taught to fly (started lessons when he was fourteen years old) graduated with military distinction. Very proud moment. Looking forward to a few more years of work and then we want to be 'snowbirds'.

Hope everyone has a great reunion.

UPDATE Nov. 2007

Gladys and I have had two significant events occur in 2007. May 07, 2007 Gabriela, our first grandchild, was born. She's such a good baby - doesn't cry or complain. Eats everything when fed. Sleeps all night. Unbelievable. Recent shots are Gabriela's first Halloween costume, a caterpillar, and showing off her first jeans.
Secondly, after 36 years 2 months, I retired from the Hartford at the end of September 2007 fulfilling a goal I had of working for one company from time of college graduation in 1971. Now my second job of flight instruction is my full-time job, keeping me busy five and one-half days a week, so I'm still in the doghouse working too much. Gladys is going to work another four years for the state at UCONN Medical Center.