Thread: Hello

Well I read the un-official guide of do/don't do.

I wasn't really prepared to give an account/explanation of who I am. I was seeking information from intelligent men or women with knowledge regarding turn of the century battleships.

However after reading through the guide, I felt a bit like some rough and tumble, with maybe a dash of my own two cents. With age comes wisdom and with wisdom comes understanding. (in most cases)

In regards to military personnel, I have the utmost respect for those who serve or have served.
When it comes to those who gave all,... I can say only that my heart aches in an indescribable way for those who have fallen in the line of duty.

It is my sincere hope that within this forum no instance should arise where I am questioned as to my views regarding Service to my country, my country vs another country, politics, religion, the assumed intelligence of another or the value of human life. I am reasonably certain I might as well have a strong response.
Which from the sound of it, may well hamper my efforts to learn from those who are able to teach.

That said,

I am the youngest of two brothers, and have the distinction of being the first male in my family for over 100 years who did not see combat. It is as my father wished. He was a decorated veteran 5th Army, present at Monte Cassino. (many stories growing up after he had a couple drinks, most ended with a tear.) It has a profound impact.
My brother served Air Force last few years of Vietnam.
I have never served.
9th grade was last year completed, tossed out first month of the 10th.
Most of what I know has been gleaned from life
I've eaten with gold plated dinnerware and slept under bridges, been put back together a couple times, have 1 son and no wife.
Probably more than anything I was a mechanic and welder.
Last 25 years the sole proprietor of a commercial metal salvage business. (hence the nickname)
Burnt out on working that hard, sold off equipment and bailed.
I now work part time for a machine shop that specializes in racing engines.

Always been interested in machines of all types from can openers to battleships.
The later being prominent since I was a child

There,.. that's what "makes me tick"

On a side note, I am missing a couple of my real teeth. Kind of the classic line "the guy said shut up, I thought he said stand up"

Cheers

Mick