Galen Knode:
CLASS OF 1972
Southern High SchoolClass of 1972
Baltimore, MD
Galen's Story
Hi, class of 72 classmates; where do I start? Well I'm still here. The world hasn't been the same since I left the Baltimore Civic Center that day. I began communication classes at Hagerstown Junior College in Aug 72 and continued there till graduating in May 1975. After the family moved from Baltimore to Hagerstown in July 75, I survived a serious car accident in August as I worked for Two Guys Department Store for 3 years and was an insurance agent for American General Life and Casualty for one year. In Dec 1979, I entered the U.S., Navy and served aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62), aircraft carrier. I was an Intel specialist and visited several countries, Australia, Bahamas, U.S, Virgin Isl, Mauritius, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Israel, and England. I was stationed in the Arabian Sea during the hostage crisis and during their release in January 1981. Sadly, while in the Navy, I lost my mother from a massiive heart attack in April, 1981. Several years after in October 1983, I was part of a multi-national force that freed the island nation of Grenada. Later, I was stationed near Beirut Lebanon providing support to forces there after the Marine Corp barracks bombing. After 4 years and 8 months on active duty, I was discharged at Andrews AAFB in May 1984, , but continued to serve in the reserves at Naval Intell in Suitland until August 1985
After working at Certain Teed products for a year, I landed a civilian job with the Navy in Suitland. I eventually became a civilian imagery analyst and remained with the Navy and Defense Department, accumulating a total of 32 years. I lost my father to a heart attack in February 1997. Also my father and mother in law in 1998 and 2001 respectfully. In June 2000, I moved from Churchton to Huntingtown where I presently live. InJuly, 2011, at age 57 years and 4 months and due to a personal decision, I retired from the Federal Government and the Department of Defense. My wife Theresa, whom I have been happily married for 24 years, also retired at the same time.
In retirement, we have been able to relax somewhat, but always find ourselves busy doing something and usually participating in the Feed the Doctors program. . I like to see family and friends that I have not contacted while working. I take long "exercise" walks with Theresa over at Chesapeake / North Beach boardwalks. We are involved as we can with Grace Brethren Church here in Calvert County. I...Expand for more
enjoy my O's and Ravens. A number of the 72 classmates do the same. Latest personal venture, is preparing our house for sale in an attempt to "downsize" and move from our present location in Huntingtown (Calvert County) to Millsboro, (Sussex County) Delaware. I always wanted to be near the ocean. Living in Maryland, I lived near Baltimore Harbor, Patapsco River, Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Patuxant River and Antietam Creek. I find it a different world to be in when visiting the seashore in DELMARVA. . Who knows, I may take up fishing and play tennis once again up there.
I have tried to keep in contact with some folks, perhaps not as well as I wanted to. Although the class is dwindling somewhat, I have to say, its spirit is alive and well. Uses of face book and classmates are a valuable mechanism for use in communicating with folks you haven't seen in over 40 years. Imagine, there were no computers that I knew about at Southern. No one walked around with a cell phone, no IPODS, No credit/debit cards to swipe, just cash and carry. No one to fax you a report card. And yes, real live people bank tellers.
This might not be the forum to present this; however, I will anyway, I am proud to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Although I have a wife, family, friends, home, car and some financial stability, I am most thankful to him for the life he has given me. I have to say it has been a rocky road to say the least, but through it all, I have tried to deal with the cards that have been played to me. I could have had terrible things happen to me and perhaps, called away years ago, but it wasn't in his plan, just yet. I hope you can share that appreciation, capture his grace and be a true steward of his. Remember, all these things on earth are temporary and will go eventually. So value you the time you have, live life to the fullest, be happy, but also be compassionate with others that are a little less fortunate than you. That could be your true testament in life and your legacy (with some help from Southern High) that you leave behind for others to cherish.
Well this is my classbook story since 1972. I hope that we can converse again at the 40th reunion in Baltimore, October 20. If you can't be there, we will converse again in the best way possible. May his spirit continue to bless you and take care of you always.
Sincerely, your 1972 graduate classmate, Galen Knode.
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