Charlie Simonds:  

Germany, with Scotland coming in a close second. We always try to get other couples to go with us, as traveling to us is more fun with our friends, than alone. My biggest surprise has got to be my Wife Nancy. She is my best friend, and the person to whom I most admire. Aside from her staying with me all these years, I believe she is the most kind hearted, intelligent individual, that loves the world and all who inhabit it, and she does all she can to make the world a better place. She was the one who inspired me to become a Mason, so that we could give to the many charities of the Masonic Families, not only our financial assistance, but also our time and labor. If I were to sum up my life, it would be, "Charlie is a happy man who has done his best for his fellow humans." The wildest thing I ever did in School, was after being expelled from Mt. Diablo School District (in 10th grade), I attended Monte Vista High in Danville, the week before Summer Vacation started, I, along with 13 other students and our substitute Teacher smoked marijuana in the class room. Our sub at that time was no other than the same Mr. Rosenthal, who was arrested every year for planting Pot Seeds on San Francisco's City Hall lawn. As far as my ideas for heroes... I try to live up to my old Partner Arturo's examples. He too is a Mason, and the closest I have ever seen in my life to what I think Jesus Christ was like. Like Arturo, I believe that all the Men and Women who have given of their lives for this country are heroes. When I was young, I didn't get into the Mod Styles, be it hair, clothes or possessions. I'm still that way. The best job I ever had was, while in the Marines I took a night time job as a Security Guard, and my site was the Fender Rhodes Factory in Fullerton, California. I got to play guitars, and keyboards, (I could have played drums but didn't know how), I even played on 2 Starcaster Guitars that were bound for Eric Clapton. The only trophy of sorts that is hanging on my wall, is the ball and scorecard, from the game where i got a hole in one at Diablo Creek Golf Course. If I had one do over, I think it would be to go back being a good, studious student and not let my sixth grade teacher Mr. Smith from Clayton Valley Elementry, actions turn me off to school. He was an incompetent teacher who was unhappy with his lot in life, and took it out on any one who questioned him, or his authority. My oldest friend is Phillip Johnson, we have been friends since we were six. The first day Phillip moved into our neighborhood in Danville, CALIF. I beat him up so badly, that I admired his stamina. Since then, he has caused me so much physical pain, from nuggies to booby twisters, trips, and hair pulls (either on head or chest), he is still doing it and we golf every Sunday together. I might mention that his wife and mine are best friends too. I think the biggest surprise my former fellow students would find about me is that I am 6'-2" and weigh about 300 lbs. When I joined the Marines at 16, I was 5'-9" and weighed 128 lbs. I often relax by playing my Piano or one of my Guitars.