I took early retirement last year to return to my rural roots. My wife and I were passionate about working with our horses and enjoying the country life together. As I was reminded of my childhood and teenage years, growing up in Nebraska, I started keeping a daily journal of my memories. Episodes turned into chapters. Old pictures, news clippings, letters appeared from old boxes we hadn't opened in years. Google helped me get dates and facts correct. Initially we thought this "memoir" might be of interest to friends and family. And it was a hit with the relatives. Then I made contact with the friends from my teenage years and army buddies, mentioned in the new book. This has been the most rewarding part of my writing experience. It reminded me that money is not always the reward.

22 Years of OJT with Xerox Corp. on the West Coast
Awarded TOPS in 1990
"Tandem Outstanding Performers"
APICS Certification in Silicon Valley
Senior Operations Manager with Encad, a Kodak Co.

As a boy growing up in the midwest I had the love of my family, hands-on farming experience, participation in team sports, and a genuine work ethic. I attended college in California after reluctantly transplanting my Nebraska roots. I became a Training Sergeant in the Military Police in Inchon, Korea prior to starting a 40 year career with Xerox, Kodak, and other Mfg'rs. The memories include life and death experiences, surviving downsizing and outsourcing America's manufacturing. But finally, I got a second chance at happiness, marriage, and a new family.

Influences & Incentives
Excerpts from Memories ... Readers may relate to the changes and obstacles that must be overcome through the working years. Writing my story has been cathartic. What seemed to keep me moving forward was a positive hope for the future. Reliving these moments in my unique time brought back those people with whom I shared so much. They were here once again, if only in my memories.