Melissa Thomas:  

I warn you in advance...this is long. I have the most wonderful husband, named David and 3 incredibly talented and energetic daughters. All three worked in Hollywood in Film and Television. We just relocated to Cleveland, OH where my husband is attended a med school for Family Practice. After Graduating from CHS: I moved to Portland, OR to go to college, that was a short trip. I spend more time with my best buddy Heidi than I did in class. By June 88, I was back in Cali to attend college in Hayward, I got an apartment with Janet Hertzig, we quickly learned best friends should never live together. I can still laugh and cry over our dumb fights...she loved red cool-aid..we had white kitchen counter tops, I could never get those darn stains out, but I would give anything to have her back to spill cool-aid on what ever she wanted...miss the hell out of her. I still wasn't focused on college I packed up and went back to Moke Hill. Worked at Mark Twain Hospital as a CNA, married Geof Suits (of Mt.Ranch and we both joined the Army and left CA. Divorced happily in 1993. Have to go to the next page to read the rest..... School Calaveras HS: I was most inspired by Ms. Steward and Mr. Phipps. Also a big influence in staying on track to do the right thing was aided by our librarian Mrs. Dorthy Foster. She was someone I could go to and get advice. She helped me through some tough spots as did Stew. BHS: I don't remember any of the HS teachers, but I remember at Highland Park Mr. Campbell was a great instructor and I learned a lot from him through mechanical drawing and many of is workshops...wood, plastics, welding....DOES ANYONE'S MOM STILL HAVE THE WOOD CUTTING BOARD WE MADE.....MINE DOES!!! Military I joined the Army in 1989 as a Combat Medic, did basic training at Fort Dix, NJ and AIT at Fort Sam Houston, TX. My first assignment was in Colorado Springs, CO at Fort Carson. I was assigned to MEDDAC. I started out in the ER and then was moved to the Command Suite to work for the Command Sergeant Major and drive for the Colonel. Boy oh Boy, I could make millions if I wrote a book on the stories I heard while driving that car. I learn a lot while working for two very powerful leaders. That same Colonel went on to become the Surgeon General, ran into him a few times later on in my career and he always called me by name. The good ones never forget those that worked along side them when they were climbing to the top, that I learn pretty quick. Gosh there is so much to tell about my career. I found my nitch. I loved the structure, thrived on getting up at the crack of dawn, running 3-5 miles, spit shinning my boots and heading to the hospital each day. I attened Dermatology Technician School in San Diego, Balboa Naval Hospital and trained with some incredibly talented Naval Officers. Very cool. Came back t...Expand for more