Uvaldo Lopez:  

Life Life NEVER turns out the way you originally planned it. Too many outside forces are at work against your perfect world, and so, you have to compromise and make the best of it. Aside from who I thought I would marry, I thought I would always live in Texas. Always wanted to live in San Marcos, Austin or San Antonio. Got married late in life at age 35. Blessed with a wonderful woman from Virginia and then blessed with 2 wonderful kids. Still trying to talk my wife into moving to Texas. Still working and probably will continue working until the day the good Lord takes me away. I really miss friends back home, and only hope all are doing well, both in health and wealth. If you are reading this and you ever crossed my path in life, I wish you many blessings. Maybe drop me a line to say hello. Loved to hear from ya. I will always wonder about "The Road Not Taken" in my life ... but doesn't everyone? Wished I had had more time to be able to visit with a lot more friends during our 20 year reunion in 1993. Really missed my childhood friend at the reunion, Paul Perez, who passed away in 1992. Last time I got to see him was 1977. School Have always loved school since I was a kid. Went to Bauer Elementary, then Runnels, and finally BSHS. Had some school crushes along the way as most guys do, even a couple of teachers! When I get nostalgic, I always wonder where they are and how they are doing. In hindsight, I am sorry to say that I overlooked some women "who were staring right at my face" while I was blinded by another soul. I wish I had said "thank you" a lot more to all those wonderful teachers throughout my life, like Ms. Ruecker, Ms. York, Ms. Sales, Ms. Zant, Ms. Diviny, Ms. Wiley, Ms. Gambill, Ms. Talmadge, Mr. Sorley, Mr. Stiles, Mr. Mathis, Ms. Puckett, Ms. Rutledge, and Ms. Haygood come to mind, but there are many more. Always wanted to go to the University of TX, but it never happened - dang it. Did graduate from Howard College. Continued my education while I was in the military. While in the Army, I actually turned down an assignment to NATO HQ after serving for 4 years because I wanted to complete my studies! Regrets? If I'd known I was going to stay in for 20+ years in the military, I think my decision would have been different. Career Joining the military was Plan C for me, and only executed it when Plans A & B did not come through. I actually wanted to first join the Marines because of their boot camp (no, am not a masochist!) and their uniforms. Turned them down because they could not guarantee me the occupation in my career field. My next choice was the Air Force, however, that doggone AF recruiter was never at his office, but the Army guy was (next door). Joined the Army. (I did take a swing at my drill sergeant when I thought he was being unfair with me during Basic Training.) Got out after 4 years. Soon after, I joined the Active Army National Guard and stayed in for 16 more years and then finally retired in 1999. Was...Expand for more