Wayne Thomas:
CLASS OF 1970
Pampa High SchoolClass of 1970
Pampa, TX
ITT Technical InstituteClass of 1999
Garland, TX
Wayne's Story
Before my story my home email address is: wrt7175 (at - the symbol) embarqmail (dot - .)com - this is to get by the censors!!
Well, my story? I was born a poor black child!! OOps, wrong story!! Well, after I was kicked out of school by Asst Principal Trice because of an unpaid library fine in my Junior year (not to return until it was paid), I decided to quit school and get a job. I worked the oil fields and got married to Shari Henderson, some months later. We left Pampa and moved to Gruver,Tx and I went to work for her father as a cowboy. We had our first child (Alicia)in 1970. That is the year I got my draft notice. So, I joined the Marine Corps. I graduated from MCRD, San Diego,Ca on June 14,1971. After two M.O.S. (Miliary Occupational Speciality) schools, we went to Camp Lejuene,NC where my 1st son (Lewis) was born in 1972. Left NC, after 4 Meritorious Promotions and decided to make a career of the Marine Corps, a Sergeant (E-5) and we went to Waco, Texas to work with the reservist. This is where I learned more about the Marine Corps and comaraderie than any other tour of duty in the Marine Corps. I left in 1977 to go to Okinawa,Ja for a 1 year tour with the 3d Marine Division. While overseas, my wife filed for divorce. I came home and could not talk her out of divorce. So, I went to Camp Lejuene again for my second tour, I was a Staff Sergeant (E-6) at that time. I did a lot of "playing" in NC after my divorce. I wound up dating a girl from the Washington, DC area and spent a year traveling back and forth the DC. I finally got a transfer to DC, but not in enough time to save the relationship in DC. Plus just as I got my transfer to DC, I met my second wife, Cheryl Becker, Lieutenant JG, Navy Nurse Corps. We met in Nov 1979 at a dance (we both love dancing). We were married in New Hyde Park, Long Island, NY (that is where her family are from) on June 24, 1983. She was at that time stationed in Great Lakes,Il and I was still in DC. She got a transfer to Bethesda,MD and we lived in Falls Church,VA. My second daughter (our first)(Samantha) was born in Jan 1985. We then all transferred to Okinawa,Japan for a 3 year accompanied tour. She was at the hospital in Camp Lester and I was a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) with Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler. We lived out in the Japanese community. It was great! We lost a child in 86 and then had my second son (our second)(Derek) on May 1988. After our tour we returned to the U.S. and went to Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma,AZ. I got promoted to Master Sergeant (E-8) and Cheryl made Lieutenant Commander (O-4). We were there and participated in the 1st Gulf War. I then retired in July 1993 and Cheryl was selected by the Navy to go to school for her Masters Degree in Nursing (that was one reason why I decided to retire, so we could stay together as a family. There was not billet for me in the San Franciso Area). So, we moved to California, near San Francisco (Dublin - East Bay Area). She went to school and I was a househusband. I took care of the kids, house, most of the neighborhood kids and remodeled the entire house we bought. Well, the Navy decided to retire Cheryl about 4 years early and shot all of our retirement plans all to hell. So, Cheryl got a job with Parkland Hospital, were she still is today. We moved to Texas about Nov 1996. We found a place in Kaufman,Tx with 10 acres of land and a real nice house. I went back school in 1997. I graduated from ITT, Garland,Tx in Mar 1999. I was the Valedicorian. I also received 3 awards from the Student Council, one that had never been given in the history of the school and 3 awards from the National Vocational Honor Society, one that again had never been given in the history of the school. Plus I received awards for Perfect Attendence for 2 years and highest grade point average (3.9). Not to bad for a "No" High School Grad. A lot of my problems in High School, was my step-father, if you can call him that. I missed a lot of school because of him and also, not having hardly any money in the household, due to his drinking. Many times if it had not been for my part time jobs (and I had one from the time I was 13) we would not have eaten. Well, anyway. Cheryl and I divorced in 2002. I guess that we had just grown apart. Bad on my part. Should have worked much harder at our relationship (But after 18 years you sorta think that you are in the groove, Wrong!). Hindsight is always 20/20. I moved in with my mother, whom we had moved down here after my younger brother sold the house out from under her, after she gave it to him. We have 7 acres of land and a trailer that we live in to date. I am her only support. My other 4 brothers don't do a thing for her. Just like their dad. To date - Alicia and Lewis live in Smithfield, NC with my 2 grandchild (Chynna and Dylan). Samantha and Derek graduated from Kaufman High School (with distinction I might add (it's amazing what a child can accomplish with support from their parents and the things they need to grow). Samantha lives with her mother in Bedford,Tx and goes to school, University of Texas at Dallas for a degree in Chemistry - she loves sheet shooting, hanging with friends,rodeos and dancing (she is a True Texas Girl, even tho she was not born here. She never goes anywhere without her cowboy boots). Derek is a Junior at University of North Texas, Denton,Tx,- degree in Electrical Engineering and the newest member of Sigma Chi. He loves video games,tennis,golf,sheet shooting and hanging with his fraternity brothers. Me? Still taking care of my mother. After 7 jobs since 1999, most of which was because of layoffs, or moving on to what I thought was a better job and 1 1/2 years of unemployment, I finally got a job than I like very much and the 2 owners think that "I am the greatest thing since sliced bread." I am heavily active in the American Legion, the largest Veterans Organization in the world. I am currently the District Commander for the 4th District, Department of Texas. Still single since my divorce, just can not seem to find the right compatable partner and I have had more than my share. I have 2 Pug dogs, Lady Cheryl Hyperbabe dePug - (Babe) and Harper's Harley - (Motorscooter), Oscar - the cat and JoJo - the parrot (which I inherited from my older brother Ed when he went back to Az). I work hard to be as good a person was I can and help others. I love all my children and grandchilden and wish we all lived closer together, so that we could be together more often. Maybe one day.
Well, that is my story in a nutshell.
I have noticed that I still have 13,851 characters remaining to be used. So, the Story Wizard has these 30 Ideas that could be added: So I will!
1. How do you hope old friends remember you? "I did not have many friends in school and the ones I did I hope they remember me as a good friend that they could count on, no matter what."
2. I always wanted to be a "doctor" when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a "great idea". As it turns out, they were right. "As an electronic technican, I am much like a doctor. I diagnose, troubleshoot and repair electronic equipment, my speciality is cell phones. And I am very good at it. The nice thing is that there is nowhere as much blood and if the patient dies, you can get a new one. I have not lost many patients. The worst disease is: Liquid Damage!!"
3. How do you blow off steam? Describe your favorite way to relax. "Shooting my guns while drinking a real cold beer!!!! Works everytime!"
4. What's the wildest thing you ever did in school? "The time I made-out with Rosalee Kurtz in the cemetery across from the High School. What a night! Scary tho!!"
5. If I'm going to work somewhere, I need to have "a clean safe enivroment to work, good pay, and the people I work for are just as happy with me, as I am with them" to be able to deal with the day-to-day.
6. Do you have a hero? Talk about where your inspiration comes from.
"I had 2 heroes: John Wayne and Spider-man. One real and one fictional. John Wayne the All-American that many boys wanted to emulate and he never gave up. Spider-man reminded so much of my life. A...Expand for more
loner, not many friends, smart, poor and could never get ahead or set back at every turn. But he never gave up either. That's why I successed in the Marine Corps and College. Marriage ... well I should have tried harder!"
7. Where have you lived? Why did you move? "In my youth we move many times to different parts of Texas. Mostly to escape the bill collectors and for my step-dad to find work. In my adult years, I have traveled all over the U.S. and the most of the Far-East, including China, but after seeing other parts of the world, I am glad and thank GOD that I am an American and a Texan!!"
8. The one person from my past who I'd most like to see again is: "actually 2 people: Milton Brown and Rosalee Kurtz, because Milton was one of my best friends!
9.Sports, Realty TV, Pets. Share your obsessions. "Well, I love golf and would like to play more with my son, Derek. Tennis because Derek loves tennis. Hate any Reality TV! My pets are describe in my story above. My only obsession is to have enough money to spent time with my kids, grandkids and to help out my family and friends. Just a Mil or two!"
10. Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect. What's been you biggest surprise? "When my wife of nearly 20 years, rolls over and tells me she wants a divorce. Wow!!"
11. If I could improve my home, I'd remodel: " I'd not remodel but can this crappy trailer and build a house and add on a very nice patio. I love hanging-out outside with friends and family. My dream home would be a nice medium house with patio and boat dock on the water at South Padre Isand, Texas."
12. Parent? Share what you've learned from your kids. "That they are you kids and always will be. Love them, help them and be with them as much as possible, because time is limited."
13. Which teacher would you love to see again? Why? "Mrs. Ledbetter. Department Head Chemistry. She always treated me with respect, no how many times I was in and out of school. She woke up the scientist in me and I was allow to explore the wonderful world of chemistry. She many times use my experiements as an example to the other students, because of my organizational skills, record keeping skills, observational skills, forthought and curiosity. She made me feel like I could do anything. That is why I am so happy that my youngest daughter is studying chemistry!"
14. If I won $100 million, I'd give "10%" of it to "The Lord", then spend the rest on "family, friends, American Legion and ME!"
15. Ever live in a dorm? Join the Greek system? Talk about campus life?
"The answers are: No, No, No! But I did live a barracks with other Marines and talked about Marine Corps life and life in general from many different walks of live and customs."
16. To be truly happy, you would be where, doing what, with whom? "Nice home in South Padre Island, Texas, sitting on the patio, dock, or boat drinking a cold beer or margarita, with a special partner and/or with family/friends (of course with money to be able to do that)!"
17. My current age is "57". When I was 12, I thought that people my age now would be: "retired, with a nice home and lots of friends and neighbors." I was so completely: "surprised that 1 out of 10 people have to work until they no longer can, because they do not plan well for the future."
18. Working hard? Reveal your careet aspirations. "I have always work hard, that is why I do so well at jobs. The Marine Corps was my aspiration. I did it? I was a Master Sergeant (E-8) in less than 20 years. That by it's self is an accomplishment. Now, I just want a good place to work until I can stop working and retire again or die."
19. What happened to your first crush?
"I think she moved out of town (Pampa). She was my Sunday School Teacher. She was about 28 and a widow. She was gorgous and the most angelic person I'd ever known. But the bubble got popped when I found out that her and the Pastor of my church were having an affair. He was married with 6 children. What a blow!! That is when I longer went to church and was mad at GOD for a long time! Not his fault, tho!! But not to a 14 year old!"
20. My best friend would tell you: "I'm an outgoing and fun individual," but people who don't know me very well would probably describe me as: "a loner and quite."
21. Still dress like you did 10 (or 20) years ago? Talk style. "I dress better then I did (40 years ago in High School), because I have the money to do so. Also, I was taught how to dress in the Marine Corps. I always want to look neat, even in shorts and T-Shirt plus a short "man's" haircut and no tatoos or piercings."
22. What was the weirdest job you ever had? "When I worked at Moody Farms the feedlot, the scales that they weigh the cattle, had a lot of bullcrap underneath it and it affected the weigths. Because I was as thin as a beanpole, I had to crawl under the scale and clean out the crap built up. I swear that the space could have not been more than 18 inch. Talk about tight! Really hated that job, because I did such a great job, I had to do it once a month all the time I worked there! They still not believe how I could fit under there!"
23. I share my home with with my "mother", which I find "tiring, draining and I feel tied down and stuck! I've been taking care of my mother and family all of my adult life, I would like some relief!!"
24. Got Trophies on your mantel? Share a big victory. "Yes I have all kinds of medals, plaques, etc., enough to fill up the walls of an entire room. But one of my biggest victory is stated above when I graduated from College! My 1st big victory is my Children and Grandchildren!"
25. You get one do-over. What do you do differently? "I would have found the money to pay the library fine and come back to High School and graduated, maybe!"
26. In 10 years, I hope to be:
"financially enough along to retire again". I'm going to get there by:
"the new job I have. The company is an offshoot of a parent company and the potential is outstanding. I am on the ground floor of the new company and there will be bonus, etc,. I can pretty much write my own ticket, which will be WONDERFUL for a change!"
27. Talk about your oldest friend and how you met and why you clicked.
"Well, my oldest friend died in a car accident outside of Pampa when we were both 16 years old. He quit school, got a job, but started hanging around with the wrong crowd. I told him that they were doing to get him killed. Little did I know they did and them all with him. We met in Boy Scouts and both of us were loners. Me because of my family situation and him because of his weight. He was very chubby. We just hung out together and did things. He always had money because his dad worked solely to give what he wanted. His name was: Pete Brasuel."
28. What about you would surprise everyone at your high school reunion? "If I showed up!! Because I did not graduate with the Class of 1970. But I think they would not regonize the tall, thin, quite, loner that many of them remember or many never remember or knew!"
29. My first job was at in:
"Canyon,Tx", where I got paid $0.55 a customer" to "deliever the Amarillo News Paper." What I remember most about it is: "how big and heavy the Sunday Morning Paper was and how cold it was on those early winter mornings! Almost lost my hands and feet when I got caught in Blizzare in Canyon on my route. My step-dad found me in time, huddled in a corner at the back of a old house. How he found me I don't know. But he did know my route. I guess that is the only thing he ever did to help me!! Saved my life! But the rest of my life that he saved, was HELL!"
30. Share a childhood memory you'll never forget! "That would be the time that I fell off a drop-off at Lake Ann in Akron,Oh. A kid not much older than me reached out and grapped my hand just I was going down for the third time. I guess that means that I have had 2 near death experiences! I guess that's why I not afraid of dying or death!"
Well, that's all the questions. Maybe someone will make something of all the above or not. But I still have 3417 of 19,500 characters remaining, Ha! Ha! Guess I've had a short life!!!
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