Gregory Speciale:  

I was born in Hoboken, New Jersey and grew up in Hudson and Bergen County before settling in Sussex County. When I was a kid, I listened to family members talk about the Italian, German, French, Irish and Native American (Mohawk) ancestry that runs through my blood. Growing up with no father and having a mother who supported five kids and worked three jobs was very tough on the whole family. I needed someone or something, I didn't know. I started hunting for snakes at the local cemeteries and found myself surrounded by tombstones that I really didn't pay attention too. Just about that time I saw a television series "Roots" by Alex Haley. I was amazed on how he traced his family all the way back to Africa, I was hooked! When I was in Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma someone told me about Geronimo's grave being on post, well I was excited and had to see it. I had served in the military for 8 years. When my father heard that I was in the Army he told my family that he needed ...Expand for more