John Shewmaker:  

I have three girls (Jennifer, Jessica, and Julie).along with 7 grandchildren (3 girls and 4 boys). Caryn and I were married almost 42 years before her death. Jennifer has 1 girl and 2 boys. Julie has 2 boys and 2 girls. The oldest was born in 2002 and the youngest in 2013. Jessica served third terms on the West Covina Unified School Board. She won her first election when she was 24 in 2005. She served two years on the city council. My other two daughters, Jennifer and Julie work and are raising their families. Just a little side note: My daughter all have my initials JCS. My wife first name starts with a C. We are J&CS. The childrens' initials were planned, not my wifes. My first grandson was born when I was 48. He was the first boy born on my side of the family in 48 years. I have joked since his birth that it took 48 years for another boy to join the family because God looked at my birth as either perfection thus no need to try again, or the first mistake and was not going to let that happen again for a long time. I think most who know me would say it is the second reason. I will not argue if you disagree and think it is the first reason. I wish I could see my three grandchildren who live in Mississippi more. I really like talking with them on the phone hearing those little southern accents. Of course, to them I am one with the accent. The other four live much closer and I see them much more. Being a grandparent is the best. You can do everything with the grandchildren you want and give them back to mom and dad when they are tired and grumpy. A great way to pay back your kids for what they did when they were young. Also, your children are always saying Mom and Dad would not let me do that when I was a kid. My Mom once said to me to be careful how I act growing up as you will have a child just like you when you grow up. I can attested, that is a correct statement. After high school, I joined the United States Air Force and served four years. I spent 6 weeks at Lackland AFB, TX; 4 weeks at Keesler AFB, MS and then the Air Force sent all the way out to Norton AFB in San Bernardino, CA -about 50 miles from where I grew up. At Lackland you could not leave the base. At Keesler, there were not many places I could go - I was only 17. I completed a 10 week training school is less than 4. Why it was set for 10 weeks is one of those mysteries of the military and government I will never be able to answer. The Air Force was a possible career, although I looked upon it more as a way to go to school once I was discharged. Over the years, I realized just how much fun I had during those four years. The time in the Air Force resulted in meeting my wife, having my children and family I have today. James Galletta (MSgt) and LTC Hanki had the biggest impact on me and taught life lessons that I use to this day. Colonel Robert Krone was one of the most impressive people I ever met. Intelligent and caring - we could use more people like him in positions of power. One memory from the Air Force was the opportunity to participate...Expand for more