Randy McBrayer:  

I'm currently disabled, as a result of spinal injuries suffered in an auto accident in March of 2001. Since then, I continue to recuperate from a series of surgeries and pain management procedures; I do what I can when I'm able - and rest when I'm not. I'm currently in a holding pattern, awaiting new pain management options - and have been told that further surgery is not currently an option, though that could change at anytime. So, I bide my time - hoping for new procedures that might reduce my daily pain level, and some semblance of the life I once had. Since I spend virtually every waking hour at home, I spend a lot of time reading, watching TV, and online - aswering e-mails, shopping, following current events, and working on my website (which is currently being rebuilt). I'd love to hear from anyone and everyone interested in catching up - especially since I didn't have the opportunity to speak much with those who attended our thirtieth reunion. I always wanted to be a Marine when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a terrific idea. As it turns out, they were right. And as a 3rd generation Marine, I wear the title proudly - though my service was cut short (twice) by (once again) lower back trouble. But I'm grateful for the years I was able to spend in uniform, and hold all who've done so - past or present - in high esteem. My father, long gone now, is my greatest hero, because he always believed in me, never doubted me, and always wanted me to follow my heart and be my own man - without any preconceived notions about who or what he though I should be. It was his belief in me that gave me the courage to leave all that I'd known and move halfway across the country. I moved from Mansfield to Denver in June of 1981 in search of more than what was available to me in Mansfield - and because I felt the need to go somewhere so far removed from what I was accustomed to, in order to free myself from the stagnant mindset that I had allowed to hold me back for far too long. Here I've met and married the love of my life, earned both a bachelor's (History/English) and masters degree (Am. Military History), and finally came into my own. I've become heavily involved in politics/current events on both a local and national level. And I spend a great deal of time - when able - collecting & restoring vintage guitars, drums, and vintage military rifles - as well as maintaining and improving upon my marksmanship skills in 3-gun and high power service rifle competition. As well as playing my drums when I’m able. None of it has been easy of late, however, as the injuries sustained in my auto accident proved to be so severe - and have continued to deteriorate so rapidly, with no viable solution in sight. Even after a series of spinal surgeries - neck and lower back - I'm still on the road to reco...Expand for more