TOM FOSTER:  

I LIVE IN DAYTONA BEACH FL. I JUST RETIRED FROM LOCKHEED MARTIN LAUNCH OPERATIONS AT CAPE CANAVERAL. I WORKED THERE AND BOEING CORPORATION FOR 20.6 YEARS AS AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER. OUR CONTRACT (COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT) ALLOWS US TO RETIRE WITH FULL BENEFITS AT AGE 55 IF YOU HAVE 20 YEARS SERVICE. WHEN OUR WONDERFUL PRESIDENT ENDED THE SHUTTLE PROGRAM WHICH I WORKED ON MOST OF MY CAREER I DECIDED I WOULD OPT OUT. SO FAR IT IS WORKING OUT. PRYOR TO GOING TO WORK AT NASA I SPENT SIX GLORIOUS YEARS FLYING AC SUPER COBRA HELOS IN THE MARINE CORP. I SPENT MOST OF MY TIME IN THE MARINE CORP IN THE PACIFIC ON AIRCRAFT CARRIERS. I ATTAINED THE RANK OF 1ST LT AND WAS THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MY SQUADRON WHILE I WAS ABOARD THE USS ENTERPRISE AND ALSO WHILE I WAS ON THE CARRIER USS IWO JIMA. THE WORST DECISION I EVER MADE WAS LEAVING MY BELOVED CORP. I AM STILL AMAZED THAT THEY ALLOWED AN OLD CEDAR GROVE GUY TO FLY THAT BEAST OF A HELO EVERYDAY . I HAVE TRIED MANY THINGS IN AN EFFORT TO REPLICATE THE ADRENALIN RUSH OF FLYING OFF A CARRIER EVERYDAY AND NOTHING ...Expand for more