Jeff Bell:  

Though I was born in Upland California while my family lived in Chino California, I traveled all over everywhere as a child. My dad was in the service so before returning to Southern California, we lived in MA, AZ Japan & KS. Upon returning to CA we first lived to LA and then to Garden Gove. I started high school Rancho Alamitos but moved in the Bolsa Grande district half way through my freshman year. I may have seemed outgoing on the surface but I'm actually pretty shy (perhaps a bit insecure) internally. I was fairly active at Bolsa Grande where I found my first "home." I was in the key club, letterman's club (VP in my senior year) and concert choir (Pres. in my senior year) yet I never really added much in any of those positions. Having moved so much as a child, I did not make friends easily. As I remember all the wonderful and interesting people with whom I attended high school, I regret that. After my first four year of military service (the "High School to Flight School program) I returned to Orange County and again attended OCC and briefly, Fullerton College. About then the Army realized that they had too few helicopter pilots so they recalled me back to active duty. After a few years with the 101st Airborne in Kentucky the sent me to Central America where I was given a commission and command of the Chinook Helicopter detachment. I spent four years in Panama with about a half year in ...Expand for more