Albert Barnes:  

I was born on February 4, 1952. When I attended Austin High, I lived at 4429 W. Adams. I graduated from Austin in June 1969. Life since school has been really good I attended the University of Illinois for one (1) year and entered the United States Army. Upon completion of my initial and specialty training I was sent to the Republic of Vietnam. I served in three different units during my time there. First, I served with Company H, 75th Infantry (Airborne Rangers) Regiment. This tour was followed by a short tour with Company C, 5th Battalion, 7th Calvary. And finally, I served with Company P, 75th Infantry (Airborne Rangers) Regiment. On March 28, 1971, I was wounded in combat, while serving as a Ranger assigned to Company P, 75th Infantry (Airborne Rangers). During that firefight, I almost lost my left arm. Once I returned to the states, I began what turned out to be a great career. I achieved the rank of First Sergeant and had graduated the United States Army's Sergeants' Majors Course (the highest school one can attend as an enlisted soldier). After completing 24 years in the U.S. Army, I went back to school, completed college and became a middle school Mathematics and science teacher, teaching 8th grade science. I got married on July 27, 1985, to Marquetta Ann Elder, and now I have two adult children Winston 34, (a financial analysis for a Fortune 500 Company) and Whitney 26, (a software developer for a company that handles credit card accounts). My wife retired from the Army in February 2007. I have coached High School Football, Middle School Football, Middle School Boys Basketball, and Middle School Girls Track & Field aside from my teaching assignments. until August 2006, I changed to a different school. The school is almost 100% black This school was especially challenging for me to reach the students. However, I prevailed. When the students finally started behaving correctly in class, the school turned itself around because of positive leadership. In high school many considered me nerdy, quiet, and reserved, as it turns out, they were right. I now blow off steam by walking or running. The one person from my past who I'd most like to see again is Ray Turner, because we were the best of friends. If I could improve my home, I'd remodel by adding on another 3000 square feet to the 4000+ I already own. I really need more closet space (laugh!). In 2008, Vietnam's Agent Orange caught up with me. I had Prostate Cancer, a blood clot, a near total renal failure, and a major infection. Luckily, I survived. I am currently moving forward in life and no longer taking things casually. I am doing find while waiting on the VA. (Laugh) These are not the most competent people on the planet. They are slow, often inefficient,...Expand for more