Christopher Alexander:  

After graduation in 1983, I went to Kent State University to major in computer technology. During my tenure, I was unable to find odd jobs or anything for that matter. I left Ohio and went to Houston, Texas. I found a job within 3 days as a boilermaker earning plenty of overtime until about 4 months later, my supervisor told me to look for another job due to the company will be laying me off, so off to another job. I found another job working as a machinist making water blasting equipment for the Navy to wash off the decks on aircraft carriers. I was let go after 6 months with the company. I was unemployed once again. After a few months, I worked for an oil field company by providing security. I was doing very well and I got married. The job did not last long, I was unemployed again. I did find another security job, but it was very boring. A friend talked about how well the Coast Guard took care of their people, so I joined. In 1986, I went to boot camp and moved to Pine Bluff, AR. I thought it was the worst place to be, but my family and I managed through it. I continued to make the Coast Guard my career. I traveled all over the East and West Coasts including the Gulf Coast where I retired after 25 years of service. I made it through the ranks to E-7. In 1989, I adopted my wife's son. He is now a General Sales Manager of a car dealership selling Mercedes. He is married and has 3 sons. I have a stepson who works for the local electric company. He is married and has two kids. In 2011, I returned to college to...Expand for more