Jim Graziano:  

Life Since graduating...well first there were 6 years in the Navy. I went to various Navy schools (MM-A (Great Lakes, IL), Nuclear Power School (Orlando, FL) & Nuclear Prototype Training Unit (Idaho Falls, ID)) before joining the nuclear surface fleet serving on board USS Enterprise and USS Texas as a reactor/propulsion plant mechanic. I served and participated in Operations Earnest Will, Praying Mantis & Desert Storm (no, I didn't shoot anything...I made steam, but it was important steam for launching planes and turning props). I was fortunate to see the Phillipines, Panama, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Kenya, South Korea, Dubai & Jebal Ali (actually scratch Jebal Ali...it was utterly worthless). Just before I got out of the Navy, I was married to Laurel Sterrett twice...once, legally immediately prior to my deployment for Desert Storm as one is paid more in the military for nothing less than just being married and then another time, ceremonially with friends and family at the Rose Garden in San Jose after I returned and was discharged from the Navy. After the Navy I worked for 7 years at a chemical recycling plant in E. Palo Alto as a plant mechanic. Originally it was an interesting job surrounding by quite unique people. I added welding, electrical, pipe fitting, fluid system design & heavy equipment operation to my abilities. My interest in this job began to wane as I became aware of my supervisor's exploitation of my (and my partner Tim's) reliability and general capabilities coupled with realization of the limited future in my position. My work schedule provided the opportunity to try a couple other fields in my days off. I worked in the kitchen at La Pastaia for a while, and though I enjoyed it and still cook I realized that I didn't want to work Chef's hours (weekends, nights & holidays). Next I worked at the Thomas Fogarty winery/vineyard up above Woodside. This was a great experience and someday I'd still like to wind up as a winemaker. I also ...Expand for more